Carla Jayne Smith running Te Korowai Aroha programme for Whanganui women on community-based court sentences

Carla Jayne Smith wants to boost the self-image of Whanganui women on probation.

A group of Whanganui women serving community-based court sentences will soon take part in the transformational Te Korowai Aroha programme.

The programme was developed by Whanganui's Carla Jayne Smith to build confidence in women on probation.

"Life can be real shit when you have been in prison or have had a criminal record," Smith said.

"Everything becomes a million times more difficult.

"The programme is a journey of self discovery, goal setting and tapping into that inner potential. We use fashion as the platform but a lot of it is 'real talk'," she said.

"We meet the women right at the beginning and talk to them about what's going to be happening in the programme. By the end there's a big reveal where they have been through some kind of transformation.

"It's a step into being the best version of themselves by using fashion techniques we play with. They will be walking tall here [in Whanganui] and will be an influence to their kids."

The goal was to empower the women while boosting their self-image and providing life skills that could help them gain employment.

The programme included preparation for job interviews, personal presentation including hair and makeup, posture, mannerisms, choice of words, how to walk with confidence and building personal vision boards.

Smith has run the programme once and will soon meet the women who have chosen to participate in the second programme.

"As far as I know, there's no other programme like it," Smith said.

"My personal magic moment was seeing the transformation, not just in appearance but seeing their spirits lift and pushing them out of their comfort zones."

Smith said she had support from many Whanganui people and businesses who wanted to help with the programme.