“I am a mental health counselor who owns my own business,” says Allison Loftus, a lifelong Rochester resident and owner of Flourish Counseling Center. A homemaker, avid friend-maker, donut and latte lover, wife and mother of three. She shares that she has a “superpower” of dyslexia.
“Not everyone can misspell or mispronounce as many words as I can.”
After all, her motto is “Live imperfectly with great joy.”
What does your style say about you?
Last year, my sense of style was kind of lost. As I write this, it’s been a year since I said goodbye to my boobs. In May 2021 I found out I have her BRCA1 gene mutation. Three weeks later I had a total hysterectomy and in December I had a double mastectomy. I proudly wear a flat chest, but I still mourn the loss of my body. increase.
The perfect word to describe your outfit.
Buttoned, mix and match, slightly floral.
How does your daily work influence your daily outfit choices?
I wear company branded clothes and go out to the community. For the office, jeans, button-downs, and oversized cardigans are the norm. My cardigan usually accompanies me to my mat when I teach yoga, and then I go home and be with my family.
Joe Ahlquist/Post Bulletin
What’s your best accessory?
My yellow 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. She is a convertible and her name is Rosie. She’s the best accessory a girl can own.
What’s the most sentimental item you own?
my necklace. Hanging from the chain are a gold heart for the baby I lost to a miscarriage and gold flowers representing all the special people in my life who helped me thrive.
repeat purchase?
Over the past year and a half, my repeat purchases have been the Talbots jegging jeans and Lululemon ‘Align’ leggings. Both are comfortable and supportive friends who will complement any outfit, day or night.
Received the best compliment?
My most frequent compliments are about my naturally curly hair. But what I really like is when people call me ‘beautiful’.
What’s the most amazing thing in your closet?
My red corduroy jumpsuit. It may come as a surprise, but I’m sorry I didn’t mention it. She was her last outfit I wore before my mastectomy, she doesn’t fit as well as she used to, but I still love her.
Are there any items you can’t let go of?
My pink J.Crew coat my husband bought me many years ago. We didn’t have a lot of spendable income at the time. So I saw, touched and shopped all the beautiful clothes. But when I saw this pink coat at the outlet mall, I fell in love at first sight. So like any good romantic story, my husband got it for me, and the rest is history.
What role does hair and makeup play in your preparation routine?
I like to commute to work in the morning, chatting with my colleagues and chatting with the barista, so I keep my morning routine to keep my curly hair short.
What are your favorite winter items?
oversized sweater. I found the love of the sweater of my life in the men’s section of my local store in Duluth.
parting advice?
You are a story worth hearing, so dress up to tell your own story.
Joe Ahlquist/Post Bulletin
Joe Ahlquist/Post Bulletin
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