Belle with Balls: Paige Self Thomas

This month’s Belle with Balls is none other than my sister, Paige Self Thomas, businesswoman and owner of Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio in Florence, SC.

This month, I decided to look beyond the world of internet presence and feature a Belle with Balls from the corporate business world.

Why Paige, and why my sister? I know this belle intimately and her accomplishments deserve acknowledgment. I marvel at her boldness, her courage and her genius. Let me tell you the specific reasons... and there are three of them.

Reason #1: Paige is a single mom who raised three boys, the oldest of whom is hearing-impaired. Through her persistence, tenacity, and more importantly her love, Paige supported her little boy, who was not talking at the age of three due to his hearing loss, to be mainstreamed in public education his entire school career.

Allen played football and basketball in high school and graduated with honors. He earned his college degree in Health/Wellness last year and was awarded a Presidential Scholarship for Academics. The college faculty recognized him with The Justin Scott Alston Memorial Award, given to a senior who has overcome adversity while continuing to demonstrate Christian character, citizenship and academic perseverance.

This fall, Allen accepted a position with The National Deaf Academy in Mt. Dora, Florida as a Recreational Therapist, moving from SC alone, to a new job and a new home. (Here’s a Rebel Belle Yell to you, Allen! I applaud your confidence, boldness, friendliness and spirit and the Belle with Balls who raised you.)

Reason #2: This one cracks me up! Paige took over the family business—The Merle Norman Cosmetics Studio—when my mother passed away in 1999. With a degree in Business Administration and 99% of the “Self family business-brain genes” (guess that leaves 1% for me, Maggie and Hunt), it was a natural fit for Paige to manage the store.

In the six years since taking over, my Magna Cum Laude sister has increased sales 40%, been awarded the Number One Studio for strip malls, and ranks #16 in the nation (out of 2,000 stores!). Go, Paige—another Rebel Belle Yell!

Now here’s the part that rocks and cracks me up...

My sister Paige has NEVER worn a stitch of make up. Not one drop. Ever. She never has, never will, doesn’t want to... and has no idea how to apply it to her own face. She couldn’t care less and is proud of her natural beauty and complexion.

Folks, I think this deserves kudos and applause. Now that’s a belle with balls!

Reason #3: My sister is a brilliant writer, and I’m proud to share her with you. Paige writes an article each month for SHE Magazine in the Pee Dee of SC. Paige has a way with words. Whenever I read her stories, I am deeply moved. Whether I’m smiling, laughing, crying or pumping my Rebel Belle fist in the air, Paige draws me into her stories and allows me to FEEL them with her.

I am honored to share just one of her stories with you here.

Thank you, Paige, for your boldness, courage, genius and love and for sharing your joyful self-expression with the world.