The Media Says...

“One of America’s top retail gurus and an expert on women!” –PAGEANTRY MAGAZINE

“She’s Erma Bombeck with a scarf.”–THE HOUSTON POST

“She’s not young; she’s not pretty; she’s not skinny; she’s just wonderful!” –ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT

“Just initials for name, a little meat on her bones, my kind of gal. Ladies loved her.” –FORT BEND NEWS, Fort Bend, Texas

“One of the South’s most successful specialty store owners.” –DALLAS APPAREL NEWS

“The ultimate accessory expert.” –WOMEN’s WEAR DAILY

“America’s fashion therapist.” –CALIFORNIA APPAREL NEWS

“A woman for WOMEN, a friend and a role model.” –LOUISIANA WOMAN MAGAZINE

“A delightful lady...a fantastic program...an elated audience.” –ARANSAS PASS PROGRESS, Texas

“A gutsy woman who shares her feelings and her life with others, helping to make theirs better. It’s a program that won’t be soon forgotten.” –THE WILLIAMSBURG NEWS, Virginia

“She had a packed audience hanging on her every word.” –WOMEN’S WEAR DAILY

“The best program ever presented at the Charlotte Apparel Mart.” –CHARLOTTE STYLE

“The Dallas Market Center’s accessory expert.” –THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS

“T.J. Reid is like a mother to these retailers. She’s a guide who dispenses valuable information. She has her hand on the heartbeat of middle America.” –ACCESSORIES MAGAZINE

“T.J. Reid is one of America’s most knowledgeable accessory advisors. Her tape is a must-have for all stores.” –ACCENT MAGAZINE

“What Mother Never Told Ya About Retail is must reading for everyone associated with the world of apparel retail. It is affectionately called The Bible of Retail by all of us in the industry.” –RTW REVIEW

“...one of the most popular and enjoyable retail speakers I’ve ever heard.” –THE VIRGINIA PILOT

“T.J. Reid is THE most popular retail speaker in the country.” –STYLE Magazine

“T.J. presented the best program I’ve ever seen at M.A.G.I.C.” –Editor, MR Magazine


The Experts Say...

“I hire a lot of speakers; she’s the BEST ever to speak here.”–JOAN BERK, CALMART - California 

“Our retail guru; she knows everything and shares it.” –RALPH WARD, Specialty Store Bulletin 

“Our retailers love her. She speaks their language.” –DEBBIE FRANCIS,DALLAS MARKET CENTER 

“T.J. Reid breezed into Atlanta and created a storm. Retailers absolutely jammed the seminar room and her two presentations were standing room only closed with ovations! What a tremendous success. We’ve never had a program like this before.” –GEORGIA CAMP, ATLANTA APPAREL MART 

“T.J. Reid is one of the best retailers I’ve ever known.” –LARRY HILL, V.P. RMSA - Dallas,Texas 

“Electrifying presentation—entertaining..packed with useful advice..insider’s look at today’s customers and what they want.” –MICHAEL BLACKMAN, Director of the Bureau of Wholesale Reps, Atlanta, Georgia 

“You are too much! Those initials must stand for Terrific Jewel. You have such ambition, such moxie, such dreams and you share them with everyone. I love you!” –CLARE REVELI - Fashion Designer - California 

“Wow, great! T.J. Reid is breezy, practical help for passionate store to prepare for survival. There is a customer service war going on out there and T.J. is on the front lines. A dynamic speaker for today’s retailer.” –PETER GLEN, Retail expert and author of“It’s Not my Department” (Comments 1990) 

“Your new book and your latest program are like How-to delivered with Love. What a great message and an expert, exciting and inspirational messenger!” –PETER GLEN (1995) 

“You were the hit of the three day convention!” –TEXAS PRESS WOMEN 

“I’ve never had attendees call me and say thanks before. You made our October market a smashing success. No one draws a crowd and them amazes them like you do!” –KAREN PARSON, DENVER MARKET 

“You were the perfect luncheon speaker for our annual meeting. You’re a neat lady; you have my respect, my admiration, and a special place in my heart.” –ELLIE HERBERT, Editor, Louisiana Woman Magazine 

“We have arranged seminars for over ten years here in Seattle. None were ever as well received or as informative as yours.” –MIKE HAND, PACIFIC NORTHWEST APPAREL ASSN., Seattle, Washington 

“Talk about a whirlwind, you exemplify one. I don’t think in my twenty-six years with CVFE we have ever done anything that created as much excitement as having T.J. Reid. You are the talk of the town. Can’t wait for next visit.” –MILDRED WHITE, CAROLINE-VIRGINIA MARKET - Charlotte,North Carolina 

“People are still talking. You lit a fire in our chamber with your inspirational presentation. Things are getting done in this town at last!” –MARY HENDRICK, ILLINOIS MERCHANT ASSOCIATION 

“I highly recommend T.J. Reid as a presenter for an entertaining and informative program. She lived up to her star billing. Attendees were all impressed and felt it was one of the highlights of our annual convention.” –STEVE DiANTONIO, PRESIDENT COLOR ME BEAUTIFUL 

“Thank you for making our QVC Fashion Week a tremendous success. It is always a pleasure to have you on QVC to share your fashion expertise with our viewers.” –DARLENE DAGGETT, QVC NETWORK 

“Your presentation was excellent and obviously the response was overwhelming. First standing ovation ever for this show.” –TOM DIEDRICH, NORTHWEST SALESMAN ASSN., Minneapolis, Minnesota 

“Thank you for your professionalism. I was envious of your ability to communicate so effectively with each member of the audience. You have a rare gift. In both sessions you had a captive audience who left loving you.” –MARGARET WARD, BEAUTICONTROL COSMETICS 

“You never cease to amaze me. You are the very best there is! Your enthusiasm and true love for this business is contagious. Salesmen, store owners, employees, customers - you win them all over. After all these years - you still amaze me.” –DAN BRUCE, AMERICAN FASHION ASSN., Dallas, Texas 

“Fantastic, emotional, inspirational keynote.” –President, LOUISIANA WOMEN BUSINESS OWNERS 

“Your enthusiasm and positive approach to life is energizing to all around you. You have a real knack for finding problems, then offering great solutions.” –KATHRYN BRYAN, KASAL, Dallas, Texas 

“Your enthusiasm and energy had the audience eagerly waiting to hear more and more. Your presentation broke the attendance records for our gift show. Congratulations!” –MARCIA MILLER, Marketing Director, CHICAGO APPAREL CENTER 

“It was such a pleasure to work with someone as knowledgeable and personable as yourself. The comments from our managers were so positive. You richly deserved the standing ovation they gave.” –J. FARMER, DRAPERS & DAMON DEPARTMENT STORES, Costa Mesa, California 

“Goodness, gracious, great balls of fire, as that Jerry Lee Lewis says. You were wonderful!!!Our meeting was a great success, and you deserve most of the credit for it’s positive outcome. Your energy and enthusiasm are incredible.” –BARRIE SNEED, ILLUSIONS JEWELRY, Asheville, North Carolina 

“I keep hearing ‘terrific speaker’, ‘one of the best workshops ever’. ‘most entertaining’, ‘fun to learn through her humor’,etc. Thanks for your refreshing and entertaining approach to training. We all needed your spark of enthusiasm.” –MARGIE JOHNSON, OLD DOMINION FASHION EXHIBITORS 

“You are the best! You know it; I know it, and now everyone in San Francisco knows it! You killed them, girl!” –PAM MORTON, SAN FRANCISCO MARKET CENTER 

“Your work at our recent market was just magnificent. Your quality work is greatly appreciated by the entire market center staff.” –DOROTHY FULLER, V.P. CHICAGO MARKET CENTER 

“It is a true pleasure to work with a professional. I wish all speakers were just like you. You’re the best!” –DENISE WERNER, DALLAS GIFT MART 

“No one does more for today’s retailer than T.J. Reid. She’s an overflowing fountain of information.” –FRITZ ANDERS, THE IMMEDIATE RESOURCE, Dallas, Texas 

“Our staff learned so much from your training today. It was educational - but fun!” –DALE LUZZI, HARVEY’s HOTEL, Lake Tahoe, Nevada 

“I’ve never seen people so attentive. You had them in the palm of your hand. What a talent to be able to capture an audience’s attention so completely. They seem to hang on your every word. What a great job!” –Dee Brown, KANSAS CITY GIFT MART 

“When I first heard you in 1988 you became my inspiration. Watching you dispense information with lovecare, and concern made me want to be ‘just like T.J.’ I had never seen a speaker be so educational but so down-to-earth. To this day, you are still my inspiration and also my favorite speaker of all time.” –RICK SEGEL, Retail speaker

The Retail Audiences Say... 

“I really enjoyed Smart School. Came away with really good ideas and did lots of important networking. Thanks for coming to Atlanta.” –Marigail Mathis, MARIGAIL MATHIS, Florence, Alabama 

“Thanks so much for sharing your great ideas with us I use something I learned every day. Customers enjoy the in-store promotions and we make money!” –Richard McGarry, SOUTH BEACH,USA, Miami 

“God send just the right people at just the right time. You were the shot in the arm our new business needed. Thanks so much for all the help.” –Arlene & Cindy, C.RENEE’s - Illinois 

“We could not have survived without What Mother Never Told Ya and the re-enforcement of your seminars.” –Roxanne Kvasnak, SHAW BAY CLASSICS, St. Michaels, Md. 

“I owe the last five years success all to you. I do exactly what you say and it always works! Thanks for being there.” –Libby Cockerham, JON MARC, West Jefferson, N.C. 

“It’s wonderful to know I can always find a rope to hang on to from you. This business is hard but you make it fun.” –Joyce Jerke, JOYLINS, Miles City, Mt. 

“I treat this as a business, not a hobby and it’s gratifying to find someone so knowledgeable who also takes this seriously. Thanks for everything.” –Kim Payne, ANNABELLE’s, Houston, Texas 

“What a fantastic presentation. We learned more today than we have in the last three years. I feel like I finally have a plan.” –Judy Nelson, COUNTRY CASUALS, Princeton, Illinois 

“No market is complete without a session from T.J. Reid. She keeps the juices flowing and the fires of retail burning.” –John Buster, D & J STORES, Guymon, Oklahoma 

“You only get better after all these years. I never cease to learn something new in each session. I loved the Gold Club idea.” –Coleta Popplewell, CO-LECTABLES, Hobbs, New Mexico. 

“Thank you for the inspirational meeting in Chicago. We all need a boost sometime and you provided me with a super charge.” –Jeanne Kirk, DRESSINGS ON FIFTH, West Des Moines, Iowa 

“From opening day to five years down the road, thanks for being my mentor and my inspiration. I know I can always count on you.” –Dale, DRESSED TO KILL, New Port Richey, Florida 

“With your advice and newsletter sales are up almost 33%. Where have you been all my store life? I’m so thrilled with results.” –Carol DiRuzza, ETHEL WILSON, Canton, Ohio 

“It’s always worth the trip to Dallas just to see T.J.” –Myrna Madonna, HAMMETT’s, Modesta,Ca. 

“Girl, you are nuts, but my sales are increasing daily and my staff is fired up - all because of your fun and inspiring presentations. THANKS so much.” –Clarice Holden, ISLAND BREEZE, Myrtle Beach, S.C. 

“Every one of our store owners idolizes you. You certainly have a talent for captivating minds and hearts! Keep up the great work!” –Lori, LIBERTY FASHIONS, Conway, Ar. 

“When I have a problem, I always ask ’What would T.J. do? I get out your book and wow - there’s the answer.“ –Ruth Grover, RUTHIE’S, Bethel, Me. 

“I sometimes feel like you run my store for me. Your advice is always so timely and you do seem to have an answer for everything.” –Laura Nardine, SCRUPLES, Vincennes, Ind. 

“One of my salesmen called me a ’T.J. groupie’ and I replied, What an honor! I know I’ve seen at least 25 programs, but I always learn something new and keep coming back for more.” –Dee, PRIDDYs’, New Albany, Indiana

Her Audiences Say... 

“Working woman, wife, mother, daughter, friend - she’s everything rolled into one.–just fabulous..what am inspiring program. I went home feeling so good about myself.” –Houston, Texas 

“I learned, I laughed, I cried. Best seminar I ever attended.” –Mobile, Alabama 

“I loved her illusion dressing advice. Made my life a lot simpler.” –Yuma City, California 

“I’m too old to worry about fashion. I want to enjoy life. Now I like me. Thanks to T.J. for her theories on life and love—and clothes!” –Mountain Home, Arkansas 

“Twenty pounds in two hours. She did shrink before my eyes.” –Little Rock Arkansas 

“Wish you had handed out tissues. I’ve never been so moved.” –Washington, D.C. 

“She’s not just a skinny magazine cover or model. She’s real live lady and she’s great. What a fun evening she gave us.” –New Orleans, Louisiana 

“And I thought this was just another of those boring fashion show spouse programs like all conventions. Boy, was I surprised! Thank so much for the fun.” –Jackson, Mississippi 

“Yesterday I felt old and tired at 43. Today I can’t wait to be 80. You inspired me to feel good about myself at any age.” –Dallas, Texas 

“I work and live on a limited budget. T.J.’s lifestyle dressing plans will save me time and hard earned money. The ticket to this program was the best investment I ever made in me.” –Kansas City, Missouri 

“I laughed till the tears wiped away my makeup, but she made me realize it didn’t matter. Happiness is the best thing to cover your face. She’s so right!” –San Francisco, California 

“Your kindness and understanding show through every word. Today you changed my life for the better. I can never repay such a debt.” –Guymon, Oklahoma 

“Your faith in me has given me hope to make a new person of the mess I am now. Thanks for the individual attention and love you showed during and after the show. You were such an inspiration. I will never forget meeting you, and the difference you made in me.” –West Jefferson, North Carolina 

“I, too, am an only child and have experienced the same feelings you mentioned. Now I know it’s normal. Your outlook on life is amazing. I hope I can achieve a little of the happiness you possess and share with others as you did with me.” –Liberal, Kansas 

“In today’s hurry-up, what-have-you-done-for-me lately world, T.J. Reid is a breath of fresh air, a light at the end of the tunnel.” –Charlotte, North Carolina 

“My wife is still quoting you. Your program made me proud to be Rotary president; the women loved you and me because of you!” –International Rotary convention 

“The best spouse program we ever had. Let’s break the rules - come again next year!” –La. IIAA 

“Will you be my sister, my mother, my friend? I feel like you already are!” –Jackson, Mississippi 

“I’ve never met a woman so in tune with what’s going on in my head and my body. Are you sure you didn’t read my shrink’s file?” –Crockett, Texas