NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Macy’s (NYSE:M) announced the three finalists who will vie for a shot to take it all in the second season of “Macy’s Million Dollar Makeover with Clinton Kelly.” In an exciting and emotional one-hour special airing on Tuesday, April 17 at 7/6c, viewers can tune-in to watch as three entrepreneurs make their professional dreams a reality with the guidance of mentors in the area of fashion, food or home. Special appearances will also be made by three celebrity judges – Tommy Hilfiger, Martha Stewart and Marcus Samuelsson -- who will select the ultimate winner of $1 million.
“Now in our second season of Million Dollar Makeover, we have a real opportunity to use the business of retail to make someone’s dreams a reality,” said Martine Reardon, Macy’s chief marketing officer. “Not only will the magic of television add excitement for viewers across the country, but Macy’s has enlisted a high-profile and influential group of judges and mentors to help guide our finalists, giving them the support and inspiration needed to transform their lives.”
The "Macy's Million Dollar Makeover with Clinton Kelly" call for applications at facebook.com/macys took place Jan. 3 through Jan. 31. After “liking” Macy’s Facebook page, applicants submitted either a short video or essay and photos about their professional goals and aspirations in one of the highlighted areas of fashion, food or home. Thousands of applicants from across the nation applied, and three finalists were chosen for the chance to win the ultimate prize and be named winner of “Macy’s Million Dollar Makeover with Clinton Kelly.” The finalists are:
Kathleen Selman (Tampa, FL): A mother of five and proud army wife, Kathleen has titled herself a “fierce, busy perfectionist." Like many women, she found that being able to see inside her purse while in a dark theater or room would be an asset. Her unique line of LED light clutches called “Sweet Athena,” are composed of environmentally-friendly handbags made in the USA. Her hope is to sell these eco-minded LED girly-girl clutches at Macy’s.
Pat Pilla (New Hyde Park, NY): A self-professed foodie, Pat wants to bring her love of sweets to the masses in the form of portion-controlled, all natural, but still delicious “Chee'Bonnets” cheesecake balls. After losing more than 200 pounds with the help of her supportive family, Pat is full of energy and ready to share her knowledge of healthy living with America.
Dylan Gold (San Francisco, CA): After quitting his job to pursue his furniture design dream, Dylan started “Dylan Gold Design Furniture.” Filling the void between “cool concept and factory cheap stuff,” Dylan is ready to take his company to the next level, expanding his line to offer both high-end and affordable retail products.
In an effort to provide motivational and professional expertise to the finalists, Macy’s engaged well-known celebrities and designers to act as mentors and judges throughout the Million Dollar Makeover show. Both the judges and mentors selected come from a specific area of business that pertains to each of the three finalists, whether it is in the fashion, food or home category. Each mentor will guide their respective entrepreneur, offering expert advice on how to successfully market and grow their brand, while judges will evaluate the viability of each finalist’s business ventures to ultimately select the winner.
Macy’s Million Dollar Makeover judges include Tommy Hilfiger, Marcus Samuelsson and Martha Stewart.
Tommy Hilfiger launched his eponymous line in 1985, and under his guidance, vision and leadership as Principal Designer, The Tommy Hilfiger Group has since become one of the world’s leading premium lifestyle brands, achieving over $5.5 billion in global retail sales in 2011. The brand celebrates the essence of Classic American Cool and provides a refreshing twist to the preppy fashion genre, delivering superior styling, quality and value to consumers worldwide.
Marcus Samuelsson was the youngest chef ever to earn two impressive three-stars from the “New York Times,” and more recently was selected to cook the Obama Administration's first state dinner. Samuelsson owns restaurant Red Rooster Harlem and Ginny’s Supper Club; is the co-founder of FoodRepublic.com; and is a member of the esteemed Macy's Culinary Council.
Martha Stewart is an entrepreneur, publisher, Emmy Award-winning television show host, and the author of dozens of bestselling books on cooking, entertaining, gardening, weddings and decorating. Her next book, MARTHA’S AMERICAN FOOD: A Celebration of Our Nation’s Most Treasured Dishes, from Coast to Coast, will be released in April. Today, her namesake company, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, reaches approximately 66 million consumers across all media platforms. MSLO’s expansive multimedia and merchandising portfolio includes: award-winning magazines; The Martha Stewart Show on Hallmark Channel; Martha Stewart Living Radio on SIRIUS XM Channel 110 and marthastewart.com. The Martha Stewart Collection is available exclusively at Macy's.
Macy’s Million Dollar Makeover mentors include Matt Lewis, Tracey Reese and Sheila Bridges.
Matt Lewis is a co-founder of Baked, Brooklyn’s nationally-recognized bakery that has been featured on programs including “The Martha Stewart Show” and “Today.” The bakery’s brownies have become famous and were chosen by Oprah as one of her "Favorite Things."
Tracy Reese is a powerhouse in the fashion industry, whose two lines sell in top retailers across the globe. She designs for fashionistas and celebrities, including First Lady Michelle Obama and Taylor Swift.
Sheila Bridges was named “America’s Best Interior Designer” by “Time Magazine” and CNN, Sheila lists luminaries like Diddy and President Bill Clinton among her clientele.
“Each of the finalist’s stories are heart-warming, inspirational and a true testament to what can be done with a dream and a little hard work,” said Clinton Kelly, style expert for Macy’s and co-host of TLC’s “What Not to Wear” and ABC’s “The Chew.” “Not only will their lives be changed forever, but they each will learn and grow their businesses from this experience. I hope my style expertise will give them an extra boost of confidence to make their dreams come true.”
For finalist images and more information about “Macy’s Million Dollar Makeover with Clinton Kelly,” created by Macy’s and JWT New York, please visit www.macys.com/pressroom. Beginning April 18, visit facebook.com/macys, and watch behind-the-scenes footage of the finalists, mentors and judges. Tune-in to TLC on Tuesday, April 17 at 7/6c to find out who wins Macy’s Million Dollar Makeover!
About Macy’s
Macy's, the largest retail brand of Macy's, Inc., delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at more than 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. Macy's stores and macys.com offer distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy's is known for such epic events as Macy's 4th of July Fireworks® and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Building on a 150-year tradition, Macy's helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities that make a difference in the lives of our customers.
About TLC
TLC is a global brand that celebrates extraordinary people and relatable life moments through innovative nonfiction programming. A top 10 cable network in key female demos, TLC has built successful franchises around the Cake Boss and Say Yes to the Dress brands. In 2011, TLC had 28 series averaging 1.0 million P2+ viewers or more including Sister Wives, My Strange Addiction, Extreme Couponing, Toddlers & Tiaras, 19 Kids and Counting, Long Island Medium, and What Not To Wear.
TLC is available in more than 99 million homes in the U.S. and 75 million households in 34 countries internationally. A destination online, TLC.com offers in-depth fan sites, exclusive video content, and original editorial covering style, home, food, and more. Fans can also interact with TLC via On Demand services, on mobile platforms, including an iPhone App, and through social media such as Facebook or @TLC on Twitter. TLC is part of Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), the world's number one nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in over 210 countries and territories.
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