This year, AGHS’s Darianna Leon (‘24) and Isabella Youngkin (‘24) entered the fairy-like fantasy world of Hey Gorgeous Formal Wear when they arrived to model at the Dana Powers Estate in Nipomo. Pastel floral decorations and whimsical sets transformed the lawn where the teen models were pictured in beautifully intricate prom dresses. Business owner of Hey Gorgeous Formal Wear, Krista Smith, provides these modeling opportunities to empower girls in the county and promote her business.
“My business is just not meant for one field of women,” Smith said. “I want to represent all women, all men, [and all non-binary people.] Anyone who’s willing to wear a dress or suit or tuxedo. I’m here for it. I like inclusivity.”
Born and raised in Nipomo, Smith acquired Hey Gorgeous a little over seven years ago and more recently moved locations to Grover Beach on 191 S Oak Park Blvd. Hey Gorgeous is expanding gradually, likely because it’s run by someone who truly loves what she does.
“[Running Hey Gorgeous] is probably one of the most positive and happy things you could do,” Smith said.
Not only does Smith say she loves her work, but her passion is evident to others.
“Hey Gorgeous is such an empowering business,” Youngkin said. “Krista was the absolute best.”
Youngkin was one of the two students from AGHS that were a part of the 2024 Hey Gorgeous Squad. Finding the opportunity on social media, both Youngkin and Leon applied to model for the brand.
“I have always loved digital creating, so being a part of the 2024 Hey Gorgeous squad was right up my alley,” Youngkin said.
The love of creation and fashion is a common theme between the models.
“It’s always been a thing of [mine] to want to model and this is an opportunity that opened up,” Leon said.
Smith is more than happy to foster this creative spirit.
“I think it’s a really good experience for the girls,” Smith said. “I mean, who doesn’t want to be fully styled—hair, makeup, spray tan, and gorgeous dresses. Also, it helps with promoting my business because I pick girls from all over the county.”
However, Smith’s process for choosing which girls will model is a difficult decision with many factors.
“I like a lot of variety with looks because I want to be as inclusive as possible,” Smith said. “I like [a] variety of personalities too.”
Smith looks for girls who are role models in the community. This year’s Hey Gorgeous Squad has girls in robotics, wrestling, drama, law organizations, rodeos, and with beauty school aspirations.
“I feel like I’ve worked super hard to [be empowering] for my family as a role model, and being able to portray that to other people is awesome,” Leon said.
Not only is the experience an honor, but it’s also exciting for the girls.
“It’s chaotic,” Smith said. “It’s busy. It’s a long day. It’s exciting: the anticipation of ‘what’s my makeup going to look like? What’s my hair going to look like?’”
This chaos breeds camaraderie, and fosters community between the models.
“It was so fun and I was so excited because I was going to get to meet so many other girls that were just like me,” Leon said. “They’re super hard working.”
Between meeting new people and looking gorgeous, the overall experience is fun for everyone.
“We got our hair and makeup professionally done by Love Strike Artistry in Orcutt,” Youngkin said.
Smith likes to choose unique makeup looks for all of her models, opting for bold looks but making sure the girls feel confident and comfortable.
“I pick all of it for the girls,” Smith said. “I make sure that it’s something that they will be comfortable in because if they are not comfortable at all it’s going to read through the photos. So, although it’s something that I’m picturing for them, I also wanna make sure that they’re comfortable in what they’re wearing.”
Leon and Youngkin especially loved working with Smith.
“[Krista] was super sweet and she got everything done,” Leon said. “I like people that get things done and she was definitely one of those people.”
“Krista is the sweetest and all her dresses come in different styles and sizes,” Youngkin said.
Being an empowering and inclusive brand that has a lot of size options isn’t the only way that Hey Gorgeous stands out from other businesses. Smith has a policy to not sell the same dress to a school within a 15 mile radius so everyone feels unique and special.
“It would be way easier—and probably more profitable to be honest—to sell whatever to whatever school,” Smith said.
But to Smith, Hey Gorgeous is more than just making money—it’s about creating an experience for her customers.
“It’s worth feeling special,” Smith said. “If you’re gonna spend money on it, feel special. It’s your prom. It’s one of the more special things in your life.”
Supporting teen role models in the county and promoting the empowerment of others are values at the heart of Hey Gorgeous Formal Wear. Shopping local is a great way to support small businesses in the community and create unique, memorable experiences.
