After years of intending to visit Secrets of a Duchess, just to tell Judy how much I admire her work, I finally did it. I wanted to cheer her on for helping embattled women.

No sooner did I step into the shop than I was under the power of her intense joy. I couldn’t resist buying a few items in the consignment shop, which features reasonably priced, nice (think: J.Jill and Elan) women’s clothes. I noted the clean, well-appointed salon for the next time I need a blowout. And though I’m not the glamorous type, I lingered over the makeup and jewelry like a prospective convert to glamor.

Places like Secrets of a Duchess are rare nowadays. The proprietor was personally interested in matching me up with something I needed. But I felt absolutely no pressure — only joy.

Portia