Over the past few weeks, eight remarkable women have taken us on an emotional journey through their fashion transformations on Channel 7’s Healthy, Wealthy & Wise. At Blue Illusion, we’ve shared in their laughter, tears, and moments of self-discovery. And as the season concludes, we’re reminded that true style has the greatest impact when it’s deeply
personal.
Real Style Stories
From injuries to weight loss to menopause, each inspiring woman had her own reasons for seeking a style transformation. But in every case, it was never just about the clothes. These transformations went far beyond surface style—they were about reclaiming identity, joy and self-assurance.
Stylist Chyka Keebaugh and Blue Illusion CEO and Creative Director Donna Guest saw firsthand the impact these makeovers had.
“It might be strange to think that just changing the way you dress or how you do your hair will change the way you feel about yourself,” said Chyka “but in all honesty, it’s the small things that make the biggest impact.”
“Each of the women got to see themselves as beautiful,” said Donna. “You could feel their happiness and confidence as they transformed.”
Let’s take a look at four of our stunning women’s style journeys.
Linda: From All Black To Always Bold
For Linda, fashion has always been about comfort and practicality. As a captain of the CFC and a theatre lighting technician, she’s used to wearing pants for quick changes into her firefighting gear—and black to blend in behind-the-scenes. “I don’t own a dress,” says
Linda, “but I can drive a semitrailer across the Nullarboor!”
When she beat breast cancer in 2022, Linda’s outlook on life shifted: “It makes you realise you’ve got nothing to lose. Get out there, do what you want to do. You might not get another opportunity.” So, when her daughter Ashley nominated Linda for a style makeover, she dived in.
Staying true to Linda’s essence but with a nudge towards colour, Chyka went straight for the Bengajean—practical, comfortable and classic, and in a range of colours and styles. Linda looked casual yet polished in Le Flares with a tucked crisp white shirt. And she positively glowed in a pair of velvet print Bengajeans teamed with a cobalt blue top and black blazer.
“What I have done,” said Chyka on the segment, “is show you that you can wear a bit of colour with black—it doesn’t have to be all black.”
“I’m really stoked,” said Linda. “Absolutely thrilled. It feels great!”
Ultimately, Linda’s new wardrobe became a reflection of her renewed outlook: bold, practical and full of life.
Kierah: From Supporting Cast To Centre Stage
Once a professional dancer working and training in LA, Kierah suffered a devastating back injury that stole her career and her confidence. “I lost everything I knew,” said Kierah. “Before my accident, I was a very confident person. When [dancing] was taken away, I lost my identity.” Years of chronic pain, forced bedrest and weight gain deeply impacted her sense of self—but a recent breast reduction and weight loss have brought revitalised optimism.
“I’m really wanting the makeover,” said Kierah, “so I can show my children it’s good to love yourself and not cover up—as I did for so many years.”
With styling help from Chyka and Donna, Kierah shone in beautiful peach and pink hues, and embraced her waist in a classic denim dress. But her showstopping moment came with a
stunning paisley print dress from Chyka’s own collection.
“I feel so confident in this,” said Kierah with a smile, “I feel like I could walk down the catwalk!”
In the end, Kierah’s journey wasn’t about returning to who she was in the past—it was about embracing who she’s become today. Simply belle!
Sheila: From Care-Giver To Goal-Getter
Sheila has spent a lifetime caring for others. A devoted mother, childcare worker and vital member of her church community, she’s recently turned her focus to studying law and is ready for a new chapter—and wardrobe. “I want a sense of empowerment with my style,” said Sheila. “I want to go into a room and people will notice me.”
Chyka and Donna teamed up to create a wardrobe for Sheila that mirrors her inner strength. With a focus on sharp tailoring and feminine power dressing, Sheila’s new looks made her feel capable, visible and professional. “I feel like I’m a boss!” she said wearing an elegant cream pant suit. Mixing black and whites for versatile corporate style, Sheila’s magical moment came when she stepped out in black pants, a white polka dot blouse, blazer and classic accessories—and brought her sister, Leah, to tears.
“I feel beautiful,” said Sheila proudly, “and I feel confident about myself.”
Sheila’s story shows that fashion can be empowering—and dressing for the person we want to be can help show us the leader we already are.
Deb: From Hiding To Shining
Deb has spent too long hiding. “Because I’ve always been overweight,” she said “you feel that you don’t fit in or that you’re being looked at because of the way you are…” After dropping 33 kilos and planning a trip to India, Deb decided it was time for a makeover. “How would I describe my style? I don’t have one!”
Despite some colour in her wardrobe, Deb was still reaching for black and baggy pieces from her old life. Together, Chyka and Donna helped Deb ditch the oversized, shapeless clothes and embrace her new figure with fitted silhouettes and fresh hues, particularly green and blue. Deb’s final reveal in a stunning floral teal dress and gold slingbacks showed a woman ready to step into her next chapter.
“What I want to gain is confidence, and maybe presence in myself,” said Deb at the start of her journey. And at the end? “I feel pretty!”
Finally, Deb is no longer dressing to hide herself, but to celebrate herself.
In all these real women’s fashion stories, one thing rings true: style is never just about clothes. It’s a way back to ourselves—a means for reclaiming identity, confidence and joie de vivre.
“Most of these women already knew who they were,” said Chyka, “along the way they had just lost their mojo.”
Donna agreed. “While each of the makeovers were for different reasons,” she said, “overall it always came back to confidence.”
For anyone at home feeling inspired to reinvigorate your own wardrobe, Donna recommends starting small. “First, refresh your hair style. Then, look at your eyes, skin tone and jewellery to determine whether you are a warm or cool colour tone. This will help you find pieces that flatter.”
The first step is often simply giving yourself permission. “We tend to fixate on the things that we don’t like and not see everything else,” said Chyka. “Having someone coordinate outfits for you and show you how to do things differently can be such a gift.”
If you’d like help with your own wardrobe makeover, our Blue Illusion stylists are available for one-to-one styling sessions.
Merci beaucoup to all the wonderful women who allowed us to be part of their style makeovers. You are each an inspiration!
A bientôt!
As Seen On "Healthy, Wealthy & Wise"
