By CHRISTINE BOATWRIGHT / Staff Writer

CHELSEA – Andrea Lewis categorized women into groups by their personal fashion style around the Chelsea City Hall meeting room Dec. 6.

The women were attending Lewis’ kick off “Make You New” workshop. The workshop was designed by Lewis to help women discover their full potential in the professional arena.

The women discussed appropriate fashion for the workplace and tips on how to respond to interview questions. The women developed personal goals for their careers.

“Women in particular need to be careful about the perception you put out, especially when interviewing with a man,” Lewis said while speaking of appropriate work attire.

“Fifty-five percent of another person’s perception of you is how you look,” she added.

The workshop lasted from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and, according to Lewis, the day was spent focusing on understanding purpose, developing goals and presenting “your best you.”

After the workshop, Lewis said the eight participating women gave more feedback than she expected during her inaugural workshop.

“The participants were fully engaged and asked great questions throughout the day,” she said. “If one person showed, I still would have given my all. I do hope that as I make more workshops available more people will attend.”

The workshop held a learning curve for Lewis, as well as the participants.

“(I would spend) more time on developing personal goals,” she said. “As we worked through the workshop, it became clear that most participants had never gone through the process of setting personal goals, and that it is one component which is crucial for success.”

Lewis said she hopes to take her workshop to other communities.

“After all, it is my purpose,” she said. “I am looking for sponsors to help with providing the resources like material and locations for future workshops.”

For more information about Andrea Lewis’ Make You New workshop, contact Lewis by calling 434-0627 or email andrealewisphr@makeyounew.com.