HMS Interview: Missy Marrs, NGTF.org

Missy Hart Marrs
Driven, Dedicated, Survivor, Seriously Strong-Willed, Entreprenuerial, and one Amazing Hautemomma!!!!

www.ngtf.org
www.missymarrs.com

Missy is the type of Hautemomma that truly inspires HMS.  Her mother died in her early 50s from Ovarian Cancer.  It was soon after her mother’s death that her family decided to have the rest of the women, in the family, tested for the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genes associated with this Cancer.  Missy and her sister tested positive.  At the early age of 29 Missy had a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery as a means of prevention.  

Her story is so inspiring!  When you read about what she has had to go through, the struggles she has faced, it really makes you stop and think.  Missy is definitely someone to admire for her strength, positive attitude and drive to beat Cancer and beat the odds.  Not only is Missy a mother, daughter, friend, sister – just to name a few – she is a survivor!

Missy started the National Gene Test Fund as a:
‘Resource to encourage discussion, action and funding of genetic testing for those people who are at high risk for genetically transmitted diseases and are willing to take preventative measures, but cannot afford the prohibitive costs of such testing.’Please click here to read more about Missy’s inspiring story!  HMS had a chance to talk more with Missy – read below to find out more about this interesting and amazing person!

Read more below about Missy – one truly inspiring hautemomma!
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Favorite vacation spot?
I have several favorites:  The Caribbean (my favorite being the Turks & Cacios Islands), The whole Charleston Area (especially Kiawah), Disney World, and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

Favorite restaurant?
I really like Heirloom and The Black Tulip in Midway but I also enjoy going to Greenbrier Country Club for dinner as well as Malone’s & Sal’s.  

Cocktail of choice?
This really depends on my mood and the occasion.  I love Pinot Noir with dinner, Pina Coladas at the beach, and Charleston Tea for a happy hour cocktail.

Favorite gift to give?
Something personalized.  I love to find unique items that can be monogrammed- they usually make for a fun and special gift.

Your favorite personal item?
My computer.  It keeps me connected with everyone.

Style Icon?
I love Ashley Judd’s Southern, sassy style.  She always looks put together but not over the top.  She wears pearls with her blue jeans, she loves Lilly Pulitzer, and she is fabulous both dressed up and dressed down.  I also admire Ashley for loving where she came from and having a true passion for humanitarian causes. 

Favorite designer?
I love any designer who makes fun, flirty clothing with bold colors or prints.  I love Lilly Pulitzer, Milly, Diane Von Furstenberg, etc.  I do not purchase my clothing based on the brand, several of my favorite purchases are brands I had never heard of before but I really liked the style or print.  

How do you define style? Any style Advice?
I believe style is the manner in which people express themselves and present their attitudes about life.  Clothing, makeup, hairstyles, etc. are what we see on the outside and I do believe these things reflect the way a person feels.  Other indicators of style could be organization (or lack there of), boldness, how you talk to people or how you handle situations.  My advice would be to find a style that represents you at your best and try to improve upon it.

Top of your style / wardrobe wish list?
I don’t have a ‘wish list’ – I honestly can’t think of a single thing I want or need right now.  When I find a great item at a great price, I will purchase it for myself but I don’t usually set out looking for something in particular.  

What is in your beauty bag?
Oh- you don’t want to look in there… it contains large variety of makeup from the drugstore to Sephora!!  After I finished chemo my skin became very dry so for the first time in my life I now have to wear lotion.  I am really liking ‘Zum Body’ organic lotion right now because it lasts a long time once applied.  

How do you define true luxury?
I believe true luxury describes the way a person feels rather than what a person has.  Anything that provides comfort is a luxury whether it be the rights we have as Americans or the pillow we sleep on at night.  It is all relative.  

Favorite mantra?
Life is too short to worry about what people will say about you!  Live life and do the things you want to do.  Take chances, try new things, make new friends, and have fun!!  

What motivates you the most? Who inspires you?
I am motivated knowing that there are so many families out there who need me to wake up each morning to encourage people to donate money to the NGTF.  I am the ONLY organization in the US right now focused on raising money for genetic testing.  If I don’t help these people, as of right now, nobody else is going to. The e-mails I receive on a daily basis from people needing funding and the genetic counselors who call wanting to see if I can fund their patients inspires me the most.  My husband, Benji, encourages and helps me in a significant way each and every day. His belief in the NGTF has certainly inspired me as well.  I truly believe God has given me an opportunity to take a bad situation and turn it in to something wonderful… knowing that God is helping me and has a hand in this organization also inspires me to work hard.

Any advice to young women today dreaming of starting a business?
How will you ever know what you could have been if you don’t try?  My thoughts are that I want to look back on my life and know that I took chances even if they end up being a mistake.  Just start small and get financial guidance so that if it doesn’t pan out you are not financially ruined.  

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