Tina's Closet Honors Vets During Anniversary Gala

submitted by Teri LeDantec-Boswell

In recognition of 25 years of success implementing a recession-proof business model that was engineered from scratch and conceived in faith, Tina Karakourtis, proprietor of , was honored at a Silver Anniversary Gala benefiting US Veterans of the and the non-profit Support1000.org.

On the eve of Memorial Day, Tina celebrated her success by honoring the men and women of the U.S. Armed Services with a special ‘thank you’ to VFW Post #5696.

"The Tina’s Closet success story actually began over 50 years ago when the US soldiers freed my mother and father from Nazi internment during WWII," Tina explained nostalgically. "Without the dedication and sacrifice of the men and women of our country’s armed forces, none of this would ever have been possible. To these brave men and women, I owe a true debt of gratitude."

The event included several guest speakers.

"It is humbling and gratifying to know that the memory of our soldiers is honored through the generations," emphasized Colonel Brett Nila, Commander of the Lisle VFW Post #5696. "Because of Americans like Tina, our fallen heroes will never be forgotten."

"I feel honored that Tina’s Closet has adopted Support1000.org as a Charity-of-Choice," acknowledged Oz du Soleil, founder of the organization whose mission is to affirm the dignity of women by donating new and gently used bras to women in need. "Tina has not only been a loyal source of donations and one of our first partner depots; she has also proved to be one of the most amazing sources of information, education and inspiration! As 'The Bra Doctor,' Tina’s work quite literally supports tens of thousands of women every day!"

Tina attributes her success to a genuine ‘obsession with perfection’ in customer service and a ‘work-hard’ ethic that was mentored by her Polish immigrant parents whose ingenuity allowed the Skarbek family to thrive in America.

"The Tina’s Closet success story embodies the perseverance of the American Dream for generations of hard-working Polish immigrants in spite of radical fluctuations in economic trends or shifting political policies," affirmed Robert Rusiecki, Deputy Consul of the Republic of Poland.

Tina discusses her start.

"I never opened my doors with the idea of selling something," confessed Tina. "I opened my doors with a prayer that I would be allowed to fulfill my life’s mission to ‘help those who could not help themselves.' God and my customers did the rest!"

Distinguished guests shared the spotlight by speaking about the vital importance of engineering small business opportunities for prospective business owners in America.

"The ‘experts’ said that Tina would fail," said Lisle Mayor Joe Broda, "after 25 years, I am very happy to report that the customers of Tina’s Closet have proved them wrong!’

While toasting this unique example of a recession-proof small business model, VIPs were among the first to offer congratulations on Tina’s election into the exclusive membership of The Guild of Master Craftsmen.

"To date, Tina is the only Master Corsetière in the world who has received this honorable professional distinction," acknowledged Laird Duncan Paisley of Westerlea, spokesperson for The Guild, whose registered offices are in London.

"There is no better way to underscore the critical role of small business in American economic prosperity through fiscal conservatism and the restoration of the American business ideal than to celebrate the Tina’s Closet success story," confirmed Lisle Area Chamber of Commerce president Tom Althoff.

"It wasn’t easy," cautioned Tina. "That’s why it’s so important to have someone in your corner who believes in what you do and who has seen you in action."

For Tina, that person was her future husband, John, who supported her dream as it grew from an idea into a working reality.

"I never had any doubt that Tina would be successful," reported John. "I saw the way that Tina worked to help each and every customer out of a genuine sense of compassion."

"Tina’s ‘common cents’ approach to fiscal conservatism, principle-driven business practices, and the daily practice of ‘Giving Thanks by Giving Back’ to her customers and the community-at-large have helped her to ‘recession-proof’ her business model," said Tina's business manager, Teri LeDantec-Boswell."In addition, Tina is an active local employer, Green-by-Choice participant and author who mentors thousands of women every year."

This self-made entrepreneur, who forged her American business success story from scratch and without a college education, is committed to mentoring others who have similar hopes and dreams.

"I wish my success on anyone who has a dream and is willing to work hard to achieve their own ‘American Success Story,’’ encouraged Tina.

Guests at the Silver Anniversary Gala received an advance copy of Tina’s book and latest mentorship effort, "A Perfect Success," which guides the reader through the steps required in order to engineer a business success from scratch.

"Reading is fundamental, said Tina. "I truly believe that no prospective business owner can get anywhere unless they do their homework."

Tina’s book mentors prospective business owners on how to identify and develop critical strengths and skills and translate those entrepreneurial ‘assets’ into a successful recession-proof business. At the gala, Tina donated copies of her book to over a dozen area public libraries; representatives from each were on-hand to receive their copy and take a souvenir photo with Tina.

Tina is also hard at work engineering a dual-edged health education program designed to inform adolescents about the relation between A Perfect Fit in bras and women’s health and to inform young adults about the importance of including bras/undergarments in the annual household budget.

"Breast health begins with education and awareness," urged Tina. "Children and ‘tweens who come into the store with their mothers and sisters are in a better position to understand what every woman needs: the lasting comfort and support that can only be achieved with a proper fit."

Long-range plans are already underway for Tina’s Closet to partner with key state and educational entities to develop and launch the first accredited Bra University, where women can study the all but extinct craft of Custom Corsetière and apprentice to become a certified, licensed practitioner.

"It’s important for young women to know that there are educational opportunities available to them which don’t necessarily include a four-year college degree," Broda said. "The Tina’s Closet story is living proof that just because a woman chooses not to go to college, she can still acquire the skills needed in order to engineer her own American Success Story."

An array of distinguished attendees, state and local representatives and members of the international press were on hand to participate in the celebration.

Some other local entities were on hand to round out the evening. Fr. Becket Franks of St. Procopius Abbey offered a prayer, and Bugler Lawrence Buttimer performed a rendition of "Taps."