If you’ve ever doubted the power of beauty, look no further than the activities of these three Aveda salons to confirm that how you feel on the outside does, in fact, affect how you feel on the inside.
CELEBRATING THE SURVIVORS: CENTRE SALONS AND SPAS
Centre Salons and Spas in Colorado and Utah; owner Jim Pacifico. For Centre Salons and Spas’ 9th year of Breast Cancer research fundraising, the company plans to go all out. This is because, yes it’s their passion to do, but also it’s their goal to exceed last year’s incredible $50,000 raised and donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation— the most the salon has raised in one year for the cause. Jim, a longtime Aveda partner, says to achieve this they will do as they’ve always done; add new events to keep the fight top of mind for their guests and friends. “We always hold a silent and live auction and last year we had an online donation page and when our goal for that was reached, I agreed to shave my head at our Fundraising fashion show.” Jim says.
This year the team added the Wings of Hope 5K Fun Run/Walk (which happened late September) to coincide with the Wings of Hope 9th Annual Fashion Show to take place on October 15th. What makes the fashion shows incredibly special is that all the models are real women that are either fighting Breast Cancer or are survivors. “We had two main goals when creating the show. One was to raise money and the second was to help the survivors feel good about themselves by doing their hair and makeup as they walk the runway in beautiful clothes from local clothing boutiques.” Jim also notes how the Centre Salons and Spas’ teams have been amazing in their fundraising efforts. “We have all lost or know someone who had cancer and so fundraising for a cure has been close to all of our hearts.”
PAMPERING THE SURVIVORS: PINK LEMONADE SALON & DAY SPA
Pink Lemonade Salon & Day Spa in Menomonee Falls, WI, owner: Jamie Kolatzki. “This October will mark our fifth year of offering complimentary 60-minute facials to any breast cancer survivor,” says Jamie. Originally, Jamie says her motives were to promote her spa. “I’ve always believed that the more I give, the busier we become,” she says. “Breast cancer touches so many women that I figured I could help a lot of people this way.” Jamie says she chose to offer facials to survivors because a lot of women in treatment still aren’t cleared to receive massages. “Plus, a lot of them have scars and ports that they feel self-conscious about,” she says (though her aestheticians are trained to work around medical equipment). Does she ever worry that someone who isn’t a survivor will claim a facial? “That’s their karma, not mine,” she says. “But I do think that’s why a lot of my women come in head-to-toe survivor gear.” Last October, the spa was able to deliver facials to 41 survivors. Following the success of the October facials, this year, the spa plans to offer special deals to nurses in November. “They are the true heroes who help these women—and many others—going through a tough journey,” says Jamie.
BEING A SURVIVOR: JUUTSALONSPA
Juut SalonSpa with locations in Arizona, California, and Minnesota, owner: David Wagner. About ten years ago, David and his wife had a friend going through cancer treatment. When her hair began shedding from chemotherapy, the couple offered to shave her head at the salon, and a program was born. “She said it was the best day of her treatment, so we kept the tradition going. We’ve done over 4,000 head shaves at our salons (Juut has 12 locations) over the last 10 years,” says David. David says that women in treatment who have children over the age of five are encouraged to include their kids in the ceremony so that “mommy doesn’t just suddenly come home with her head shaved.” “We treat the head shave like a sacred passage,” adds David, who was personally touched by the disease. “About six years ago, I had cancer and lost my hair and found myself on the receiving end of a head shave—it was a very special event.”
This year, David has expanded the charitable activities at his salons. “For one day in October, we will open up our salons to cancer survivors and their care givers, so that they can experience some pampering too,” he says. In addition, the salon offers complimentary haircuts for anyone who is donating their hair to Locks of Love, the organization that provides hairpieces to children suffering from long-term medical hair loss, on an ongoing basis. “We want to be day makers,” says David. “We don’t just want to raise money, we want to raise hope and cheer.”
A SIMPLE ACTION TO HELP TODAY
For a simple and positive action to be a part of the fight for a cure, pick up the limited-edition breast cancer awareness hand relief™ moisturizing creme as $4 U.S. of the suggested retail price supports cruelty-free research through The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® (BCRF).
Not only will it help the cause, but you’ll love its uplifting Beautifying aroma.
Salute our salon partners with us and share this story on Facebook and Twitter using the hashtags #LivingAveda and #BCAstrength.
