By Linda Steele l [email protected]

McKayla Julian knows a thing or two about a personal journey.

Julian started a women’s mental health support group back in March 2021 called Pretty Tough Ladies Resource Center. Then she opened up her revolving closet in April.

“I’ve spent my whole life trying to find my purpose. I knew I wanted to be a mom. I absolutely love being a mom, and I also knew that I wanted to empower women in some way. I am a domestic violence survivor and my inspiration for starting my resource center stems from a place called Women Helping Women who work closely with workforce services. They provide clothes to interview in, and things you need to get ready for a job interview, and help you get back on your feet,” said Julian, owner and operator of Pretty Tough Ladies Resource Center.

Julian’s personal experience saw her and her daughter leave her abuser with only two small bags of things, and she needed a job.

“I met a wonderful lady who has practically become family to us, who allowed me to rent her basement apartment. My daughter and I had a safe place to go where we couldn’t be found by my abuser,” Julian said.

Julian had been through so much trauma and abuse. Women Helping Women and her sweet family friend supported and helped Julian have hope again.

“I’m in a place in life where I can give back and I’m so honored to be able to share my story and be that woman encouraging women empowerment. There is hope, there is light in this world.  When it feels like it's all gone, there are resources, and a chance to take back your life,” Julian said.

“Serving women and children of our community alongside McKayla has been such a blessing for me,” said Shoni Childrey, a member of the board. “She has started something truly amazing here. There are, unfortunately, so many situations women can find themselves in where these items are needed but just not affordable, and that’s why this is so necessary.”  

Julian started a GoFundMe to help expand the closet and secure 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. The Pretty Tough Ladies Resource Center provides mental health support groups and women's and children's clothing and hygiene accessories for women and children in need. There are resources for housing, childcare, building credit, resume building and interview skills.

Pretty Tough Ladies Resource Center is located at 2768 W. Julie Ann Way West Jordan. For more information on donating go to GoFundMe

https://www.gofundme.com/f/please-help-us-expand-pretty-tough-ladies

Information on Facebook at https://facebook.com/prettytoughladiesutah/

To contact go to [email protected]

Hours for shopping:

Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Hours for Donations:

Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Volunteers are needed Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.

“If I can help even one woman find that hope again and take back their lives, no matter what their story is, like these women helped me, then I know I’m doing something right,” Julian said.