Teens learn real beauty

LIHU‘E — For the past 13 years, D’Lissa Iannucci has taught hundreds of teenage girls that beauty doesn’t come in one shape, size or color. Instead, the former model uses her True Beauty Clinic to help young girls celebrate their differences.

“We’ve been doing this for about 13 years, and the neat thing is that it’s always free,” Iannucci said. “Our whole heart is to pamper the girls and teach them their imperfections is what makes them unique.”

Throughout the clinic, young women receive fashion and beauty makeovers while learning about the importance of friendship, healthy lifestyle choices and their self-worth.

The next True Beauty Clinic is Saturday and Sunday at Breath of Life Church in Lihu‘e. Its theme is “WiLD PEARL GiRLS.”

“A wild pearl is a natural pearl that has not been cultured on a farm,” Iannucci said. “It’s usually not round and perfect but has great value.”

Iannucci uses this metaphor to teach girls to be who they are and not let others pressure them into drinking alcohol, doing drugs or having sex.

During this weekend’s clinic, Los Angeles-based stylist Loli Romo will share hair and makeup tips, Miss Hawai‘i USA Justine Costa will give skin care advice, ex-Roxy model Lila Metsger will talk about healthy habits and model/actress Sonya Balmores will discuss how she stays grounded while working in a fast-paced industry.

In addition, there will be a catwalk and a fashion show with live entertainment.

Iannucci started “True Beauty” 13 years ago after discovering a friend’s daughter was heading down a troubling path.

“She was a troubled teen — partying and cutting school,” Iannucci said. “I wanted to reach out to her.”

Iannucci uses her story as former model and her battle with bulimia as a way to reach the girls. Born and raised on the Westside of Kaua‘i, Iannucci became self-conscious about her figure during her senior year of high school. She developed an eating disorder that lasted eight years. During this time, Iannucci relocated to Japan to pursue a modeling career.

“I was so insecure and just went into the fast lane,” she said. “I was partying and drinking trying to escape my insecurities.”

During her five years in Japan, Iannucci met her husband on the streets of Tokyo, and they both decided to turn their lives around and start practicing the word of God.

“God gave us peace and contentment,” Iannucci said. “I never thought I’d be using my modeling experience in the church.”

Iannucci hosts the beauty clinic whenever she senses there is a need or when she hears stories about the youth drinking or partying.

 “My heart is to reach the girls before they start making the wrong choices. We try to teach them it’s there imperfections that make them unique.”

One of Iannucci’s favorite moments is the catwalk, where she encourages girls to be free to represent themselves.

“I give them a few tips, but I tell them ‘If you’re shy, be shy. If you’re funny, be funny.’ That’s when the kids start to let go and it’s a lot of fun,” Iannucci said. “It’s freedom to be who you are and enjoy what God has made. If you understand you are one of a kind, there is nothing that is going to stop you.”

Throughout its 13 years, Iannucci’s True Beauty Clinic has evolved to include women of all ages. Iannucci hosts beauty seminars for seven-to-11 year olds in addition to adult women. Iannucci’s husband, Pastor Tom Iannucci, plans to host a seminar in order to reach young men, titled “True Strength.”

While the clinic is hosted by Breath of Life, a Christian-based church founded by the Iannuccis, the event is open to all teenage girls.

True Beauty Clinic is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 3 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Breath of Life Church in the Rice Shopping Center. The event is free. For more information or to reserve a spot, call 246-6102 or 651-1093.

• Andrea Frainier, lifestyle writer, can be reached at 245-3681, ext. 257 or afrainier@ thegardenisland.com.