PEM staff members aren’t opposed to a little pizazz (see COO Kurt Steinberg’s bowtie collection, or Director of Merchandising Victor Oliveira’s love of Iris Apfel). Meeting Yolanda was a highlight for several PEM employees who grew up hearing her name in Massachusetts, including me. I first met the fashion entrepreneur nearly two decades ago while shopping for a prom dress. Unfortunately, the pictures of that spectacular purple frock are lost to time, but the memories are still vivid.

I was 17 and edgy. I didn’t wear what most girls wore during my high school years. This was the early 2000s, so you can imagine the foldover yoga pants (which are back!), tiny tees, layered spaghetti straps and Ugg boots. My style belonged in previous decades. As the youngest of four siblings, I listened to my older brother’s punk music, stole his studded belts and drew all over my Converse high tops. I also loved a sparkle: My oldest sister’s ‘80’s shoulder-padded and sequined frocks looked great with my combat boots. I found my community in the theater crowd, where I specialized in the dramatic heroines of Greek tragedies and Shakespeare. I dyed my hair every color of the rainbow and had piercings that made my grandparents wince. So when it came time for prom, my mom knew I would need something that stood out.

I remember walking up the staircase into a large, open showroom. The entire place was painted with sparkles: sequined dresses, hats, shoes – even the furniture seemed to dance in the light. I was definitely the youngest, most grungy-looking girl in the store. But the people that worked there came right up to me and my mom to ask what we were looking for. I felt that they saw me and respected me. I was whisked away into the rows of garments and asked what my favorite colors were and who I wanted to look like. It felt like an art project!