As a dedicated state representative in North Dakota, Mary Johnson
worked tirelessly to keep Fargo running smoothly. However, she couldn’t
shake the feeling that her appearance didn’t quite reflect her
professional accomplishments. Determined to change that, she decided to
seek out Christopher Hopkins, widely known as the Makeover Guy, for his
expertise in turning ordinary into extraordinary.
In 2019, at 60 years old, Mary walked into Hopkins’ salon. Hopkins, a renowned stylist and author of Staging Your Comeback: A Complete Beauty Revival for Women Over 45,
was no stranger to these types of transformations. Mary, a former
member of the North Dakota House of Representatives, came with a clear
vision for her new look. “No purple, no blue, none of that,” she firmly
told Hopkins as she took her seat. She wanted something that resonated
with her professional stature while also adding a personal
touch—something to surprise her husband, David.
With his creative touch, Hopkins crafted a style that radiated
elegance while maintaining Mary’s individuality. He trimmed her hair
into a flattering cut that softened her features and opted for a
tasteful blend of red and blonde highlights that brightened her eyes,
while preserving her natural gray. The transformation was
astounding—Mary looked refreshed, vibrant, and undeniably younger.
When the makeover was unveiled, her new look was nothing short of
remarkable. Her makeup was natural and radiant, her hair perfectly
styled. Another client passing by couldn’t help but comment, guessing
Mary’s age to be around 42—a far cry from her actual age. With a smile,
Mary humorously noted that 42 was “about 20 years ago.”
The true test came when it was time to reveal her new look to David,
who had been anxiously waiting. As Mary walked in, he was visibly
stunned. His initial reaction was disbelief—he didn’t even recognize
her. His eyes widened, and all he could say was “WOW!” He admitted that,
for a moment, he thought he was looking at someone else. His awe was
palpable as he marveled at the transformation of the woman he loved.
This wasn’t just a makeover for Mary—it was a powerful, confidence-boosting experience that renewed her sense of self.
