Ultimate Urbanista-Ola Hawatmeh

Ola Hawatmeh is this month’s Ultimate Urbanista for several reasons. She is a wife, mother, business owner, socialite, fashionista, and involved in several community projects. She was recently recognized in Alive Magazine as one of St. Louis’ Most Influential Women; not to mention she is Mrs. St. Louis! I met up with Ola for lunch at Companions in Ladue to discuss her many endeavors and how she juggles it all.


Entrepreneur
Ola owns Mom Me Makeover. M3 is a makeover company that provides makeovers to mothers to help them feel more confident about themselves. Ola has recruited a five-star team consisting of a Beverly Hills Hair Stylist, personal shoppers, makeup artists, and others to help women (and men) look and feel their best.
Ola also just wrapped up producing the first ever St. Charles Fashion Week. She was inspired to start this as she is from NYC and has attended both New York and St. Louis Fashion Weeks. She thought it would be great to bring in exclusive designers from New York such as Indashio, but also give local designers a chance to showcase their fashions.

Fashionista
Ola’s favorite designers include Patricia Fields (loves), Versace, and Isaac Mizrahi. She usually makes her shopping rounds in NYC and LA, but while she is in town, she can been seen shopping in local boutiques like Courtney Gene and Jecca, and Bronx Diba for shoes. Ola loves couture, luxury, mixing and matching, but likes simplicity. She pairs neutral clothing with fun accessories like big watches which are her fave! Ola also loves layers in the winter and said that high-waters and pleated pants are a no-no!!

Socialite
Ola’s “must” attend events include Nelly’s Black and White Ball, St. Louis Fashion Week, and St. Louis Magazine’s Fever Fashion Shows. If there is a hot event in St. Louis, you are bound to see Ola. Like all Urbanistas, Ola is always on the go and she loves to venture out with her closest friends. She is always found supporting them, their business and their events on a daily basis.

Philanthropist
Ola started Makeover for a Cause which provides makeover services to several non-profit organizations that assist homeless, battered, and sheltered women, as well as cancer victims. In addition, Ola coordinates teen fashion shows exclusively for Macy’s to help young ladies feel and look good, while helping raise their self esteem.

With work and community service, I wondered how Ola could handle it all. I found out that she has a great staff and delegates a lot! She stated that “you must have a vision, and be creative”. Though Ola is a busy woman, her main priority is spending quality time with her husband and children.