Beauty Launchpad Magazine

MAR 2016

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26 | BEAUTY LAUNCHPAD | MARCH 2016 S tylists are uniquely important in that their jobs literally touch people, and with this great power comes great responsibility. With so many in need, the act of giving can take numerous forms. For three beauty pros, helping other women is the means by which to pay it forward. "Throughout history, women have experienced societal disrespect and abuse," notes Heather Packer, Founder of Fearless Beauty (fearlessbeauty.org). "I believe in equality for all, so as a woman, empowerment must start with me." Established in March of 2014, her organization aids underprivileged females by teaching them the techniques of hairdressing, knowing that with the mastery of this trade they'll have the means by which to earn an income. Two years ago the group held its fi rst fundraiser, Blowdrys and Cocktails, at New York City's Cutler Salon in SoHo. Last year they expanded by hosting a similar event in Boulder, Colorado, and added a month-long color class to the existing three-month snipping and styling curriculum. "Beauty can be a mighty tool by which to liberate and heal," Packer muses. For those escaping situations of domestic abuse, the need for support is equally urgent. Enter Friends & Helpers (friendsandhelpers.org), a Southern California-based nonprofi t founded in 1992. Working with centers across the country, the organization provides safety, shelter, food, clothing and beauty products to victims of all ages. "When fi nding the strength to escape violent situations, women often fl ee with only their kids and the clothes on their backs," reveals Marie Ferro, volunteer and Owner of Marie's Hair Studio in Malibu. Her efforts focus on amassing items including shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, makeup, hairbrushes and other grooming essentials from companies such as Goldwell, KMS California, Phyto, Malibu C and ColorProof Evolved Color Care. What started 24 years ago with Christmas and Hanukkah gifts for mothers and their children has expanded to include an Easter drive and Back-to-School program. Says Ferro, "When strangers give these victims a seemingly insignifi cant item like a new toothbrush or lipstick, the impact made can be immeasurable." Dermalogica Cofounder Jane Wurwand learned early about the importance of female independence. Her father passed away suddenly when she was a toddler, leaving her 38-year-old mother as the sole caretaker of four little girls. "A trained nurse, my practical English mum showed me fi rsthand the possibilities and securities that come with a vocational skill-set training," Wurwand recalls. Through FITE (joinfi te.org), her brand's social impact initiative, she's supported more than 70,000 women around the globe by connecting them with capital to launch businesses, helping them pursue education and amplifying their voices so stories can be told. "Approximately 98 percent of professional skincare therapists are women," Wurwand informs. "This industry is an economic powerhouse, as it opens more opportunities for entrepreneurship than any other in the world." Fierce Femmes When women work to lift and empower each other, it's a win-win. —FRANCESCA MOISIN C O N V ERSATI O N S Profi les Volunteers line up to make bags of beauty at the annual Friends & Helpers Holiday Program. Heather Packer, center, poses with the fi rst graduating class of Fearless Beauty in India. Jane Wurwand, center, poses with recipients of FITE funds.

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