Rachel recently emailed us with her comments on our Changeaway Service, and was kind enough to allow us to post them on the site. So here, in her own words, is the story of her Changeaway.

It started last week when I found the website. I was very interested, so I looked at every link in the site. One of these links led me to the Changeaway service. My interest now deepened.

I followed up this interest with a reconnaissance mission to the local (Manchester) Transformation shop, which I entered somewhat tentatively. The shop lady, Susan, noticed that I was a bag of nerves and immediately took me under her wing, made me some coffee and explained all the services that were on offer. Susan was extremely patient as I fired off a never-ending string of questions, every one of which she answered fully, sometimes with a practical demonstration. Susan suggested I give myself a femme name and I chose Rachel.

Now my appetite was whetted and I resolved to return for the four-hour stay. I could not stay on that day, as there was not enough time since I had to meet a train at a given time.

Today, seven days after the reconnaissance mission, I steeled myself and took the plunge. On entering the shop I was greeted by Chrissie, who answered some more questions before I finally decided to have a Changeaway. I went for the 'Just For You' look, recommended by Susan and Chrissie. Chrissie took me to the wardrobe and helped me choose an outfit. I had already given some thought to how I wished to look - elegant, rather than sexy or tarty - and Chrissie recommended a lovely three-piece outfit in a soft fabric (I have no idea what it was made of, just that it was soft). We then chose the undergarments together and I dressed in my new look. Chrissie brought me some very elegant court shoes in my size. The fit, like everything else, was perfect.

Chrissie then took me to the salon where she applied make-up. Every move she made was explained as though it were a lesson, which, of course, it was. Then came the fitting of a wig, to which Chrissie took a comb. Last but not least we chose a handbag and some jewellery. Nothing outrageous, just some simple earrings and a choker to help hide that part of the neck where the make-up ended and the colour of my chest began! Voila! Rachel was born. I could not be more surprised when I looked at the finished article in a full-length mirror. Wow! Who was this creature standing before me? Was it really me? Chrissie assured me it was and paid nice compliments on how I looked. She would take none of the credit, insisting she had good material to work with! But most of the credit does go to her.

I relaxed in the lounge, watched a little television, read a couple of magazines, and then took another bold step. I went downstairs into the shop to browse, in the full knowledge that I was likely to meet other customers, and me dressed like I was! I did meet other people and they were all very kind with compliments. I chatted with Chrissie and her colleague Gaynor, and had some more coffee.

Unfortunately time has a habit of rolling on and today was no exception. Before I undressed and removed the make-up Chrissie took my photograph in the lounge. Again, I was amazed at how good I looked.

After putting my own clothes back on, Chrissie checked for traces of make-up and marched me into the salon to remove some I had missed. I made my goodbyes, promising to return (and I will!) and gave Chrissie a little peck on the cheek. You devil!

On my way back into the city I had the some warm glow that I had had ever since Chrissie finished with the make-up and wig. The feeling was absolutely wonderful and was so carried away that I missed my tram stop!

I showed the photo to a friend of mine who is an assistant in a lingerie shop. Like me she was amazed and she too was full of compliments. All these compliments have made me believe that I did actually look good.

I am sorry to have rambled on, but I just had to share this experience with the world at large, and if there is anybody out there who cannot decide whether to have a Changeaway or not, please follow my lead. You will not regret it one iota.

Diane's story of her Birmingham Changeaway...

This is just a short note to say thank you for my first Changeaway experience. I thoroughly enjoyed myself as Diane and was met by friendly staff where nothing was too much trouble.

I have been dressing in girls clothes since the age of 9 or 10 years old and I have always had to borrow from my mother's wardrobe. I never had a sister so I had nothing in my age category to wear. Every opportunity I have had since I have dashed into my mother's or my wife's wardrobe and snatched a few precious minutes, hours of being Diane. Recently this has reached a point where I now wear Diane's underwear all the time under my male drab. And aren't male clothes dreary? So on my way to going to see my Gender Therapist for the first time I decided that a Changeaway at Transformation was the thing to help me along, get me into the right frame of mind so to speak.

Here is a brief description of my 4 hours in paradise. Like a lot of people, I suspect, I entered the shop in Birmingham feeling pretty nervous. I had not let on to anybody about my transvestism before so I felt a little apprehensive. I was met by Karen who offered me a cup of coffee and then explained the options available to me. I chose a changeaway, £99. We chose shoes, corset, wig etc from the store and then I was taken upstairs where we selected from a range of clothes. I have always marvelled at the Lady in her business suit and wanted to be just like her. I chose a court style shoe with 2" heel (I did not want anything too high as I am 6' 2" already), and a couple of blonde wigs owing to my fair complexion. We changed these later for a light brown Sophie style, which suited me better.

I fitted myself into my corset and then Karen laced me up good and tight. Next time I think I will try a smaller 30", but the effect of the 32" was terrific. I suddenly felt feminine, truly feminine, with a curvaceous waist and breasts of course. The breast forms are really very realistic. Despite the obvious hugging sensation of the corset it was surprisingly comfortable.

I chose a black skirt and kacket and when finally ready Karen came and did my make up. We fitted the wig, tidied the hair so it was just right and voila Diane was ready to strut her stuff. I spent a lot of time in the lounge just looking at myself in the mirror, I could hardly believe the change that had taken place. I still need to do something about my deportment, but the make over was such a wonderful experience that I was reluctant to change back.

As time goes on of course then I will improve, but I need more practice.

I spent some time in the shop looking at all the different things one can buy and basically walked around getting used to being Diane. Karen took photographs of me and I felt like a million dollars. It has been stated that I look elegant by girl friends - wonderful, I love elegant ladies.

So Transformation, thank you for a wonderful experience, to feel truly feminine was a big boost for my self esteem. I enjoyed my day immensely. There is something really nice about being feminine and I have embarked on my journey to achieving the ultimate in grace, beauty, gentleness and of course perfection.

Thank you,

Diane

Below are a selection of the many many letters we receive thanking our shop staff for the enjoyment that shop visitors have experiences while at one of our shops.

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Dear Transformation.
I was completely overwhelmed by the welcome and the care and attention I was given by two of your shop staff this week. So much so that I feel words cannot express my gratitude. I cant wait to spend some more time being pampered again very soon,in fact I fully intend to attend one of the up coming hotels “getaways” and im very excited that the opportunity is even available, it seems there is no end to the attention your company and obviously well picked staff afford to the transgendered community. I wanted to say since presenting myself to your staff as a shy nervous (wreck) of a gurl I have already gained the confidence to step outside and have never ever felt so happy and contented in my life. There isn’t a higher praise I can offer than that. I hope to return tomorrow, a few little extras id like to pick up and despite the fact it’s a 70 mile drive each way, the experience is just so wonderful that I cant imagine a nicer place to spend a few hours. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, you’re all wonderful.
With love
Maria

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Dear Stephanie.
I am writing to thank you for all your help and hospitality on my recent visit to your London shop. I am delighted with the make up and my wig and how it has really transformed me. Your sincerely
Terri

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To the people of transformation thank you for making me feel welcome when I entered the shop today, and was surprised at the level of service, I would recommend you to any other people I know who are transvestite and transsexual.
Gina

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Dear ladies. Just to say a very sincere thank you for making my first changeaway such an enjoyable experience last Saturday. Then being my first time, it was very daunting to start out with , but how quickly you made me feel at ease.
When I started to dress and gradually Transform, I began to realy relax and enjoy the experience. By the time I was fully made up I could have stayed for hours. It was such a shame I had to leave. You are lovely caring ladies without which the enjoyment would not have been the same.
Very sincerely yours
Christine

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After a lot of nagging from my partner I visited your London shop. I want you to know that all my worries were unfounded. I was made to feel completely at ease. My partner loves my new Siloxane Silicone breasts and insists I wear them all the time, especially in bed!
Lots of love
Sandra – Scotland

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I went to the London shop today for the very first time, unsure of precisely what I was looking for. I was served by Elaine, who was understanding, efficient and most of all, very knowledgeable about what I would need and how best to go about getting what I wanted. All in all, a truly excellent experience that made me feel utterly at home. Thank you so much, you make the transgendered shopping experience a thoroughly memorable one!
Portia - Rome

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I was in Manchester yesterday on business and called into your shop. I would like to compliment you and your staff. Never have I been made more welcome by such kind and understanding ladies. How nice to be dealt with in a sympathetic way by people who don’t think you are some kind of pervert. I was also very pleased with the vagina that I bought, its almost been on ever since. Thanks again and keep up the good work.
Sarah – Leeds

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I am just writing to say thank you for a very memorable day at your Birmingham shop. To be fully dressed for the first time ever, was an unbelievable experience, one I will never forget. Id like to thank you all for making me feel very welcome from the moment I came in. I am looking forward to visiting you again in the very near future.
Nadine – Devon

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As a new girl to the world of Transformation, I was delighted at the variety of goods available by Mail Order in your catalogue. However, I decided that before buying, I would go to one of your shops and see the goods for myself. I have nothing but praise for the friendly, helpful and understanding staff I met there and the way they made everyone feel so relaxed.
Racquel

Dear Stephanie,
Re Manchester Shop Employee:- Gaynor

I would like to send this e-mail to express how delighted I was that Gaynor is still working for you.

Eight years ago, I learned about Transformation. During this time, it took me a year to pluck up sufficient courage to telephone the shop and speak to one of your advisors.

As it so happened, a young lady by the name of Gaynor answered the telephone and she detected instantly that it was my first time and that I was very very nervous. I explained somewhat shyly to this lady what my situation was and how frightened I was of revealing myself since I could not bare the thought of being ridiculed and laughed at.

I was somewhat relieved to find that on the phone, Gaynor was very understanding and reassuring at this time that was all so important to me as I was petrified. Gaynor however persuaded me to visit the shop and phone from the telephone box outside if I found it impossible to come through the door.

Quite right! I got as far as the telephone box and lost my nere so I called the shop and asked for Gaynor. When she heard I was outside, she immediately told me not to worry and she would come out to get me.

Never having met this lady before (she was just a voice on the telephone), I was extremely apprehensive. However, Gaynor came out and escorted me into the shop, made me coffee and made me feel welcome. I’m sure you can understand my relief when I met her for the first time and realised what a delightful and understanding lady she is.

I have to say at first that I was extremely embarrassed and did not know what to do but Gaynor, being the very nice understanding lady that she is, made me feel extremely comfortable and within an hour, I had calmed down.

I seemed to strike a chord with Gaynor and felt very comfortable in revealing my problem which she was very understanding about and she discussed with me for a while what I was feeling.

Having said all that, I left your premises feeling completely at home and no longer felt shy thanks to Gaynor.

During the next six months, I called your shop many times but I would only speak to Gaynor because with her I felt comfortable.

After a while, Gaynor had given me so much confidence that much to my amazement, I actually said to myself why worry? I came round to your shop dressed as a woman and walked through as if I had been visiting your shop for many years and was among friends, something I have to say would never have been possible but for this lady boosting one’s confidence.

Subsequently, I went overseas and have not been into your establishment for five years plus. However, as Gaynor once said to me all those years ago, you can fight it but it will never leave you, just accept the way you are. Everyone is an individual and you should not worry so much. Feel free to come into the shop anytime and don’t worry, I will be there.

She was right of course, it has come back, perhaps it has never left me. I feel better as a woman than as a man, pity the world stereotypes, every one is it not, may I ask how did you cope at first? Well back to my story.

Having returned from overseas recently, I decided to reassess the situation but of course I have lost my nerve again so I started to contact Transformation via the internet. Again I had to call the number and spoke to a lady called Vicky who was very friendly and understanding. Whilst talking to her, I asked if a lady called Gaynor still worked for you and to my surprise the answer was yes.

I called Gaynor on the phone and said who I was. Amazingly, she remembered me and gave me reassurance and that gave me all the confidence I needed. Since then, I have visited the shop many times and made various purchases. Thanks to Gaynor, I feel free again and happy to walk through your doors.

I have always found Gaynor to be an exceptionally caring and understanding lady and as long as I know that she works at Transformation, I will never have any fears of entering.

I would like to thank Gaynor for all that she has done for me and for making me feel safe, secure and unafraid of life. I don’t know if it is policy but I would appreciate it if you would pass on my fondest wishes to her, a wonderful lady.

Yours Sincerely
Graham/Samantha