Shari, 20, was known for flashing her boobs and drinking too much, that was until she was approached by the producers of Ladette to Lady to appear on their TV show.
I was at my usual hang out one night when I was approached by the film crew from Ladette to Lady. They were running auditions and they asked me to apply. I was a little hesitant at first, as all the girls applying looked trashy. I had seen the show before, so I knew what it was about. I didn’t think I was the girl they were looking for, nor did I think it was the right show for me. I was gob smacked when I got asked, as it’s not everyday that someone comes up to you and asks you to go on national television. My family and friends were telling me to go for it, so I did.
My first impression on entering the group home was that I’d hate it. I thought I would get voted off straight away. I don’t like rules, nor do I like being told what to do, when to do it and how to dress. I didn’t abide by the rules at first or listen to what I was told. I was told on the first day to take out my piercings. I did, but I tucked them into my bra and put them back on that night. I kept getting into trouble for them.
The hardest thing about the show was not fighting back. I constantly had people telling me that I needed to change and that I was a bad person. When you hear these comments all day, every day, it’s really hard to handle. You don’t know how to react and I struggled with all the comments. The worst comment was when I was told by Mrs Brewer that I was a slut. My jaw dropped. I mean I have flashed my boobs before, but I don’t sleep around with guys.
At the beginning of the show, I didn’t care about changing my life, so I didn’t try. I was happy with who I was. It wasn’t until the end of the show that I saw the fun side of it and gave it a real go. I enjoyed the cameras, so it turned into a bit of fun.
My favourite coach on the show was Mrs Forrester. She was a really nice lady who genuinely wanted to help the contestants out, but not in a nasty way like some of the other coaches.
The best thing after appearing on the show was that my original friends were still there for me. Although I haven’t changed drastically, I have changed a little and they like me for that. I think the main thing I have learnt is not to be so angry. The tiniest thing would have normally set me off, but I don’t react like that anymore. All my friends think it’s for the better, so I am happy. I also really appreciate what I have got now. I used to take things for granted and do things when I wanted and how I wanted. I now consider what other people might want first.
In terms of getting recognised, I have always been the centre of attention, but for all the wrong reasons. I used to walk down the street drunk and flash my boobs, but now I act lady-like. I had it instilled in me on the show that it’s wrong to draw attention to yourself for the wrong reasons. I really appreciate that lesson, as I can now walk down the street and get recognised for the right reasons. It makes me feel good and gives me confidence, as I know I have more to offer now.
My mum has been really impressed with my changes since the show. I have a great relationship with my mum, especially seeing that I don’t get angry and act bitchy towards her anymore.
After leaving the show I went back to my original job in the construction industry. I have since been promoted to a sales representative role and I am really enjoying it. I have always wanted to move up in the company, but I never put in the effort. I was more interested in hanging with the guys on the job site than putting in the effort. Men don’t bitch like women do, so I guess that’s why I enjoyed hanging out with them more.
My biggest concern is slipping back into my old habits again, especially when I drink too much. But now that I am aware of it, I watch what I do and take control. I have a goal now which also helps me stay on track. I am planning on travelling to Europe as it’s something I have always wanted to do. In the beginning I never thought anyone could transform me, but I am thankful for the changes that have occurred.
The winner of the show will be announced soon and it’s a girl I always knew would win. She worked really hard and she definitely deserves the title.
I would definitely recommend the show to girls who want to gain some valuable lessons in etiquette and who desperately want a makeover.
