Thank You Winnyc.org

Three years ago a phone call changed my life. After a painful, soul-searching year in Tobago and Miami, I promised the universe that I would commit to volunteer work. Having just moved back to NYC, a friend reached out and said she had two gallons of shampoo and conditioner from her salon that she needed to give away.

I saw this as my opportunity to fulfill my promise to the universe. I googled “homeless shelters for women.” The first one that popped up was WIN.org. A call was made.

When I met with the staff, which included Alyssa Montaya, I was nervous, vulnerable and emotional, but eager to listen to the voice in my head that was saying, "Ask for help…to help others!" I explained to eager ears that my hope was to share tips on beauty, self love and donate gift bags. I also explained a little bit about my own personal history and struggle with feelings of self worth and selfishness.

I explained that I would not be doing makeovers, but an inner beauty makeover. Beauty makeovers are wonderful and give people an incredible lift, but what happens next? Most of the time, our clients can't afford the products, don't have the time or the skill. How about giving them something they can build off of…a feeling of support from a stranger in the beauty industry helping them feel better as a person first.

The staff expressed similar values around how we should view our fellow brothers and sisters. It was very clear that I was in safe hands. Someone said, "First, we love the idea and are very open to seeing how it progresses. Our clients are very important to us and their well-being and safety comes first."

Those words were music to my ears and heart, but one word stood out…"clients." They did not say, people, women, or homeless. They said clients.

Since that first encounter, WIN.org has been a pillar in my life. A pillar of support, respect and a prime example of how people should be treated no matter their race, class or sexual orientation.

Their commitment to protecting their clients showed itself in many ways. From their willingness to help volunteers, the availability to listen to ideas, the sensitivity to their clients needs and by just being open to me as an individual.

Over the years, together we have held a multitude of different workshops.  From yoga for teenage girls with, yoga for adults, personal fitness for women, skincare for teenage girls, fashion parties for both mothers and their teenage daughters (where we have personal shoppers helping each woman choose a beautiful outfit from clothes that were donated) and support for women in recovery from addiction.

But most of all, WIN gave me a gift that was priceless. They not only helped me grow as an individual, they helped me heal relationships that I thought I would never mend. They helped me beat my life long depression and have become my family.

WIN - thank you! Thank you for existing. Your commitment to helping women has had a positive impact on the lives of people in NYC…and as a whole is priceless and should be shared with the world.

As I embark on the next chapter of my life out of NYC, I will take all that you have taught me and apply it to help others around the world.

Posted by Unknown at 2:09 AM - 0 comments

A Commitment To Helping Others

I would like to share with my readers a very exciting moment in my life. I was recently awarded the Suzanne Pincus award from the WIN (Women in Need) organization for my dedication to helping families in homeless shelters.

What gratitude I feel for this recognition! However, I am even more grateful to families at WIN that have changed my life forever. They continuously show love and share their wisdom. Their stories are with me and for that, I will forever be changed.

A big thanks to all my donors who have supported my workshops, helping others in times of struggle. A special thanks to Orlando Pita and Orlo Salon for their continuos love and support!!

(Above standing with 2 amazing staff from WIN, Alyssa Montoya & Cierra Jordan.

Posted by Unknown at 7:12 PM - 0 comments

The Difference Between Giving-back And Giving

A friend recently asked a question about a quote I said. "Remember it's about giving not giving-back."

I thought it deserved an answer.

After researching the definitions of both words, I found that there was not much difference. However the literal meaning of words, can sometimes have a very different meaning when expressed verbally.

To me the words "giving back" in a sentence goes like this: "I really should do volunteer work and give back for what I have received in life."

Personally I feel this means "Since I've received something, I should take the action to return it." I'm not sure when the term "giving back" originated, but it's not very helpful. Saying it can sound like an action, when the action really is the word giving. Don't get me wrong, overall it's a noble gesture, but maybe a different approach can be taken? For example..

"I really should GIVE to my fellow man in need of help," or "Although I have a roof over my head and my life is miserable, maybe I really should focus less on my troubles and GIVE to those who have less."

What's the "back" part about? And when we say it do we actually do it?  Or do we wait to receive something else to remind us once more that we should be "giving back?"

I believe if we start saying, I want to GIVE, we will be faced with a huge question. The first is, do I honestly want to give? The second, do I fully understand the meaning of giving? I know I don't...

And what it is that stops us from giving? From my own experience the biggest problem was myself.

In my heart I wanted to do what was best but I was afraid of where to begin. Which charity should I donate to? Who should I help? I pondered that question for years without actually lifting a finger.

 And if I started and couldn't handle it emotionally, I will feel like a failure!

Another favorite was, "I actually have nothing to give."

Eventually the pattern was obvious. Fear was standing in my way (and some judgement).

So how did get over my fears? Desperation is the answer.

Have you ever felt like your life has no meaning no matter how much so-call fun you have or no matter how much stuff you accumulate?

Have you ever felt suicidal, tired of being depressed and wanting a way out, not even strong or brave enough to do it? (Whatever "it" is...)

I definitely have! For most of my life I was crippled with depression, often thinking "I can't take this anymore." No one really knew but the few people I shared my secret with.

After being desperate enough, I walked into a hospice to volunteer, a recommendation by my late friend Dale from Miami. His words actually were, "Dude, even in the midst of your depression all you can do is think about yourself. Try thinking about someone else!"

I was pissed. How the hell could he be so insensitive??

He was right.

I realized I was blinded by self-pity and blaming others for my troubles.  From the minute I walked into the hospice, I forgot about myself. I had no idea what lay ahead but I knew it was better than my present state of mind.

The appreciation I received for being there, by the staff and patients, I had never felt before.

While I thought it was a one-way street, (me helping them) it actually worked both ways. They were healing my depression.

Three years later my depression has vanished! The combination of giving and thinking less of myself lead to a spiritual awakening. 

Over the years I realized it would take more than therapy to beat my depression. (10 years later I still see and love my therapist.) Anti- depressants was another help. I'm not advocating them. However I will advocate volunteer work. Being in recovery from addiction, was another key for me. It opened the door to being available to show up for volunteer work.

What can I say...if you're desperate enough you'll do what is suggested, it may change your life. It changed mine.

Today I'm a happy man. I love helping others, I love my family, I love my job and I look forward to living.

If you have any comments on this please feel free to reach out.

Posted by Unknown at 6:54 PM - 1 comments

I Am Malala- Inspiring Girls In Homeless Shelters

As some of you may know I've been asking friends to donate one book in particular for my workshops with teenage girls in the NYC shelter system. That book is I Am Malala, The Girl That Was Shot In Her Head By The Taliban. 

One day, while doing my standard workshop, I decided to change the flow and read a few paragraphs from this book. While reading, I noticed some of the girls were in shock, some had tears in their eyes, but I had their full attention. They were in awe that a 16 year-old girl would stand up to the Taliban because she believed in education for all.

When I was done there was a silence. The girls were inspired that someone their own age could be so brave. Words cannot describe their faces in that moment.

I then asked, “Is there anything they would like to see changed in their communities?” Before I could finish, one girl shouted "Gun violence!"  "More support for teen moms raising a child," said another. Then one tiny 12 year-old girl said, "…bullying against children who live in homeless shelters." My heart literally broke.

Next I asked them, "Do you think you have the power to change these things?” I could see the frustration in their faces as they thought about the question.

We discussed ways each girl could inspire friends and their families to help create ideas to make a change. We discussed the power of organizing within the shelter to create a stronger, unified voice.

In the end I gave each girl a copy of the book. They were ecstatic!

So far I have done two workshops using this book to inspire girls at two
different shelters. I hope to get more copies and spread her message to even more
girls.

Want to know more about Malala? Here's a video of Malala’s interview on John Stewart’s, The Daily Show. It’s pretty incredible.

Posted by Unknown at 6:14 PM - 0 comments

Its Not About Lipstick

Recently an acquaintance and I were discussing helping the homeless where he said something that really grabbed my attention. He said, "... giving woman lipstick is not really helping them." What a powerful statement I thought. I stepped outside of myself for a minute to try and understand his point of view. After some deliberation, I came up with a few insights that maybe helpful to others who feel the same...to understand "the power of lipstick."

 

 First let me say it's not about lipstick. It's about the love and support that comes before handing over the lipstick that makes the experience. Reminding a woman that she is on this earth for a reason, is the beginning of a transformative experience. You see...most women in shelters come from very difficult backgrounds. Some are escaping physical and mental abuse; some can't afford to pay their rent or buy food and some are crippled with depression combined with a lack of self love.

By having them look in a mirror to examine their face, point out their beautiful hair, cheekbones, eyebrows and lips, it is the first step in a powerful experience, especially for those never heard an encouraging word in their life.

Explaining individuality to a woman who has been beaten for a year (or 20 years) is heart-breaking. When they finally begin to believe in themselves...well, it can bring you to tears.

Now here comes the big moment, handing over the infamous "lipstick." At this point it's more of a magic wand. A wand that brings a smile and embodies a positive, loving experience. A wand that will remind a woman of her individuality and beauty. This lipstick is a small token of love from a stranger.

I hope this was helpful in showing that love and support can come in many forms. So don't judge, just love! :)

Posted by Unknown at 7:15 PM - 5 comments

Helping Women In New York City

We did it! Thank you to everyone for making this special event possible for women who are experiencing difficulties with addiction, homelessness and getting their lives back on track. These mothers were so grateful and over joyed with the love they received from the volunteers and the donations that came in from all over the U.S.

Here are the images from the event.

This guy was amazing!! Thank you Isaac Goldszer for your support with showing these women that they are loved!!

                                           http://Www.themonadahls.com

                                       

                                             ROC RESTAURANT YOU ROCK!!!

We were able to collect new and used clothing for everyone person. From jewelery, shoes, sunglasses and scarfs!!

Check them out on instagram @Bonsignourcafe

Posted by Unknown at 10:11 AM - 0 comments

Inspiring Girls In The NYC Shelter System Through Reading, I Am Malala.

I recently held a workshop in a NYC shelter for teenage girls where we discussed Malala Yousafzai and her campaign to promote educational rights for girls in her home in the Swat Valley. Each of the 32 girls were amazed and inspired by Malala's story and would love to have her book, I am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban. 

If you want to purchase and donate a book, please email me and I'd be happy to give you a mailing address. 

Support the Malala fund and girls in homeless shelters in NYC.

Posted by Unknown at 8:49 PM - 0 comments

Together Let's Give 50 Women A Christmas to Remember!

Please take a look at my video and together we can show these beautiful ladies that life is not all about struggle....

Posted by Unknown at 12:40 PM - 0 comments

Giving Girls Living In The NYC Shelter System A Taste of Love, Positive Psychology, Nutritional Advice and Juice Press.

For the past year I've totally enjoyed holding workshops for mothers living in the NYC shelter system.  Recently I changed my focus to their children, ranging in ages 7 to 17.  My goal is to hold monthly workshops around topics such as healthy eating, hair/skincare and most importantly, inner beauty.

I started my most recent workshop for teenage girls around a question suggested to me by my friend Syd Rubin (who studied Positive Psychology). "What was the thing they most enjoyed about their day?"    

They all smiled right away. Their answers varied from hanging with friends after school to drama class. It allowed them to focus on something that made them feel comfortable, making it about them, not me. This question also set the tone for the workshop for me, keeping it positive even when talking about difficult topics. It's an approach I will use to begin all my workshops from now on. Thanks Syd Rubin!

I then took it one step further. I asked what each person liked most about themselves; it could be anything from their smile, to their hair, to their personality. 

Their responses were more slow this time. The fact that it was difficult for the girls to answer, due to a lack of self-appreciation, I believe is a huge problem. I prompted the girls to think about their lips, hair, eyes, walk, humor... The girls quickly jumped on the wagon and opened up. One girl said her skin color, another her hands and her personality. I encouraged them to look at themselves in the mirror and see what I see.

I shared my own personal experience of being told as a child that my nose was big. I was skinny and feminine. These words stayed with me for almost 30 years and I believed them. Today I know it's not true, that I was (and am) beautiful just as I am.

Today with so-called "self help" shows like Fashion Police, sporting a panel of individuals ridiculing celebrities in expensive dresses who look perfect, what's left for girls who only dream of these life styles?

Why is it the major networks can't create a show based solely on sending a direct, supportive message to our young women, which celebrates who they are? Why can't celebrities do TV ads that encourage girls (and women) to believe in themselves, no matter what they look like or what they wear?

On a lighter note I brought in nutritionist Dorothy Holtermann, who works for Path For Life and the Acupuncture Center in Staten Island. Dorothy shared tons of valuable information on how water, fruits and vegetables can help you sleep and feel energetic and enjoy healthy skin and hair. The girls loved it! Dorothy will definitely be my guest speaker from now on. Her website will be up and running on November 1st so please check it out.

And as an added treat, Juice Press gave every girl a delicious fresh apple or pear juice. Thank you Juice Press for your love! I will continue supporting those who support those in need.

Until then, lets give these girls the emotional support they need by providing basic gifts to them to get through their day. 

If you have any questions on how you can help girls in your area, please feel free to write me.

Together lets give hope, love and joy to our young women living in homeless shelters!!

Posted by Unknown at 8:25 AM - 1 comments

You Maybe Homeless But You Are Loved.

That was my message at a recent workshop I held for mothers wanting to stay clean and break their addiction to drugs that range from alcohol, pot, pills and heroin to crystal meth. Some of these women live in shelters or struggle to put a roof over their heads. From my personal experiences I can relate.

"You are beautiful from the inside out..." was my first message to the room. "We are no different from each other and you deserve to be treated as an equal." This I firmly believe based on my own life experiences.

Some may assume that with the struggles these women face, "beauty from the inside out" may not be the most important thing, but they're dead wrong!

The power that a human gets from understanding that they have inner beauty, can move mountains. We live in a world where magazines, TV, radio and social media are constantly telling women they are better off looking look like someone else (maybe a celebrity). Not being able to live up to these impossible standards can break a woman, especially one who is already battling an addiction.

 Some women may also have to deal with other challenges,  like financial insecurity, physical abuse, mental health issues and crushing poverty. With this weight on their shoulders, there is often no room for feelings of self-worth. That's where inner beauty plays an important role.

By recognizing their "inner beauty," these women can be reminded that they deserve a good life, just like everyone else. They deserve love, deserve respect and deserve to be supported through difficult times, just like everyone else.

So if you're reading this, know that showing others' their inner beauty is extremely powerful. So many of us walk around depending on our outside appearances to represent who we are, but that only lasts so long. As I always say, a hairstyle lasts a day but self love is forever!

So spread the word, beauty is still just skin deep!

Feel free to write to me with any questions or comments. Remember that we can all bring joy to someone in need.

To love one's self is the beginning of a life long romance. - Oscar Wilde


Give love.
Give hope.
Give faith!

Posted by Unknown at 6:20 AM - 0 comments

Calm Natural Skincare Helping Women At Homeless Shelters

As I continue my workshops for women and girls living in shelters, it becomes clearer that their is a huge demand for support to these ladies.

After doing several workshops with the women at Win around inner beauty and hair care, I started to receive requests to do some on skincare. I decided to reach out to several companies, but as I needed a high level of donations to meet the demand, finding a suitable match was not an easy task...that is until I met Jyl Bonaguro, founder of CALM Natural Skincare.

When I explained to my new friends at CALM Natural Skincare what I did with the families at the shelter, they instantly said yes. Within a week the samples arrived as promised.

I can't tell you how appreciative the women at the shelter were to receive the gifts. Everyone was given a cleanser, a moisturizer and a mask. During the workshop, we decided to bust open some of the products and give ourselves facials. :)

The first thing I noticed was the natural, clean smell...I mean it even looked edible. Sold in either powder or liquid form, they gently clean and moisturize skin. Their products are packed with over 60 natural ingredients, helping skin maintain its natural integrity and shine. Another great thing about CALM Natural Skincare is their love for the environment. The entire line offers refills to avoid increasing plastic waste on the planet and the packaging is "space friendly." Gone are the days of a few products taking all the room on your counter top or cabinet.

I can't thank the people enough at Calm Natural Skincare for the wonderful gifts they gave to these women, showing them that complete strangers do care.

For those who want more info, here is a video on the birth on Calm Natural Skincare and their line of products. And please, please, please if you become a fan, like their facebook page.

Posted by Unknown at 8:35 AM - 0 comments

Help For Beauty School Students at JP McCaskey High School In Pennsylvania.

I want to share with you all an amazing  experience I had with a class of students at a beauty school program at JP McCaskey High School in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Their teacher, Andrea Fitzgerald contacted me asking if I could direct her to someone that could help with supplies like hair brushes, blow dryers, curling irons, etc. so the students could get the proper training. She further expressed interest in more education for the students, but did not have the budget. 

Having attended a similar program (West Valley Occupational Center) in Los Angeles for my beauty school education, I related to the challenges they faced.  The first step was to get supplies donated. Having never done anything like this before I knew it would be a challenge, one that I was happy to take on.

The first company that came to mind was T3 Micro.

You see, T3 has been a regular sponsor for some of our favorite shows during Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week.

I love their products so it was a natural choice for me. I explained to these wonderful people at T3 the situation at the school and my willingness to help. I also told them that I would personally take the products to Pennsylvania, they were game!

Last week I traveled 3 hours  to Lancaster  with the donated equipment.

Here's a video which further explains my initial interaction with the Mrs Andrea Fitzgerald and our plans. 

Once at the school I saw the excitement in the kids faces. The workshop started  with an introduction of myself and my journey through the beauty industry. We discussed the the important things to do while in school that will help them after graduating. The simple things like constantly practicing on their mannequins hairstyles they see in magazines, or cutting the hair for family members and friends as soon as they can.  We talked about the importance of not losing your individual creativity. Beauty school training can be a standardized and rigid training process with so many "do's and dont's" being taught as guidelines to create a cut.

Here are images with the excited students with their new tools. They were beyond ecstatic!!!

 I followed this by doing a haircut and style using T3- Microfiber tools.

 I closed out my visit with a surprise bonus from Orlando Pita, who graciously donated gift baskets to the top two students, Michelle Gonzales & Nghia Nguyen with the best attendance. 

The students wanted to say a big thank you to T3 ...here they are!!

Already I've received feedback from Ms. Fitzgerald saying, "The kids are super excited and anxious for my return!"

Well since my visit I'm even more committed to helping those in need. For those who are interested in seeing how they can help out, please contact me.

I want to once again thank Ms. Fitzgerald for contacting me and having faith to ask for help. And a big thank you to T3 for their incredible donation to the school program. And lastly a special thanks to Orlando Pita for his gifts to the two students who had the best attendance.

Posted by Unknown at 8:42 AM - 1 comments

Do Not Be Bullied In To Looking Like Someone You're Not (My Message To Teenaged Girls Living In Homeless Shelters.)

After completing my second workshop with teenaged girls on individuality, beauty and bullying, I felt extremely moved to share my experience.

Please keep in mind that these teenage girls all live in a homeless shelter, for now...

The first question I asked the room was have you ever been bullied? We all raised our hands. The second question was have you ever bullied someone? We all raised our hands...

When asked to describe what it felt like to be bullied, the girls provided answers that were very similar. Some felt sad, their feelings were hurt or angry.  Overall they agreed that it made them feel horrible as often wondered,...why me.

The group opened up as to some reasons they were bullied, be it their hair was too kinky, their weight or their living situation.

I explained my personal experiences being bullied because I was poor, gay or too fair. I further explained how 25 years later I've come to realize that these were the things that make me unique. The things that make Antonio special.

I reminded them that each one of them are different to each other and that uniqueness should be celebrated... from your body size, to your hair to even your teeth (just to name a few.)

We made a promise to be more aware of our actions when it comes to our opinions and to be sensitive to the feelings of others.

I then asked who were their female heros, women that they admired, that they wanted to be like. All the girls praised the women in their lives, mothers, grandmothers etc. One girl in particular replied, "I want to be like my mother, because she stood up for me and loves me. She taught me no matter how difficult things may seem, you deserve to respected."

I end by saying, any challenges I may have faced in my past with the women in my childhood were washed away by the energy and love from these beautiful young girls.

Thank you to all my friends that donated copies of the book The Giver by Lois Lowry, which each girl received a copy of.

 And for all the wonderful cosmetics and hair accessories that were also donated.

Posted by Unknown at 8:20 PM - 0 comments

Helping Displaced Families

Once again I was given the opportunity to spend two hours with single mothers at the Shelter for displaced families.

The focus of this workshop was to identify the negative things that were said to us as kids, our most formative years. Be it from parents, extended family or society in general, these words tend to leave lasting emotional scars.

I started off with my own experience where, at age 6, I was constantly teased for being gay. I remember one aunt in particular, who always made me feel ashamed. I talked about how it took me years before I was able to respect myself as a gay man.

This opened a flood gate of emotions from the group, as they recalled all the negative things that stuck with them as both children and as adults today. At the end we all agreed that saying to a child "I love you" goes a long way, and as adults we deserve to be treated with respect.

Then I introduced my guest, Kimora Link, a personal trainer who loves people, period. Mr. Link operates a fun and effective bootcamp in Harlem that I attend.

He answered questions from the ladies and encouraged them to love themselves as they are. Mr. Link expressed that his job is to help women be a better and healthier version of themselves. "We are not all meant to be thin, but we all benefit from being healthy," summed up his message.

What attracted me to Kimora is his "Project Link Kids 2 Fitness," with its motto, "Lead and they will follow, give our children a jumpstart on a path to life!"

Mr. Link firmly believes that what a parent does, sets the stage for how their kids will behave. He encourages families to workout together with special classes which cater to those needs. At the end of the workshop, Mr. Link and I presented each woman with a t-shirt emblazoned with the statement, "I Believe In Me." We had so much fun!!

Thanks to my friend, Lori Lynch and friends for providing donations and making the gifts and t-shirts possible.

Stay tuned for the next workshop which is my first one for single fathers living in homeless shelters.

Posted by Unknown at 7:24 PM - 0 comments

Volunteering For Kids

One of the great things about teenage girls is their love of anything to do with hair and makeup. I recently experienced this excitement at a homeless shelter in our very own Brooklyn.

As I walked into the room, many of the young ladies greeted me with big smiles. We jumped right in to why I was there, discussing the pressures and frustrations they face to look a certain way. How daily the press and media backed by advertising, preaches their idea of whats beautiful . We then explored how each of them defined beauty and why. 

We also discussed the importance of individuality and ways to express it while understanding its importance.

In a world where women are encouraged to look like someone else, it is important to show these young ladies the importance of looking like themselves...with an added sparkle.

I showed them realistic practices on how they can look after their hair and skin along with the tools they can use. And we discussed the false advertising that the beauty industry sometimes promote. Afterwards I presented each girl with a gift bag of amazing hair products and tools. They loved it!!

A special thanks to Orlando Pita and Mr. Casson for their very generous gifts and to Melissa of Sweet Elite Cakes in Brooklyn. I called Melissa without and asked if she could donate cupcakes for the workshop and she responded right away with a gracious yes! Needless to sat, they were divine!

I look forward to the following workshop with the girls on March 25th. If anyone would like to know more about what I do please feel free to contact me. These smart beautiful girls deserve our support.

Love to all!

Posted by Unknown at 7:36 AM - 0 comments

Supporting Women In Need

 I want to thank all my friends and supporters who helped in making my recent workshop at Women- In- Need (a women's shelter) a success. This was my third session with the beautiful women of W-I-N and we had a blast!

Together with the help of a friend who is a professional makeup artist, this workshop was the largest I have conducted so far. Twenty women participated, all eager to be part of a professional make-up demonstration. They were educated on how to look after their skin, create a beautiful eyebrow and apply the perfect lipstick. We answered tons of beauty questions, keeping the focus on showing each woman her individual beauty.

They were all happy to learn that they have amazing cheek bones, great skin and eyelashes to die for.  In the end, each of them got to experience what it feels like to have makeup applied by a professional. Every participant left feeling confident, with a big smile and a bag full of beautiful makeup.

 A special thanks to City Cakes for supplying us with delicious cupcakes that made the event end
 with a tasty bang!

Your generosity brought smiles to the kids of the women. Lets support them by hitting the like button on their facebook page.

My next workshop will be in one month so anyone who wants to take part, please let me know.

Love to all

Posted by Unknown at 8:52 AM - 0 comments

Workshop At Women-IN-Need

Hey everyone! I just had my first workshop at Women-In-Need, a shelter for single mothers and their children.

As I walked into the shelter I was greeted with smiles and questions. "Are you the beautician?" the gentleman at the front desk asked. I was then escorted to the meeting room and was happily greeted by the clients. We started to get to know each other on a first name basis and started talking about our perceptions of the beauty industry.  I made it clear that I was not there to do makeovers. I explained that my hope was to help each client recognize their individual beauty. We went into the difference between the "beauty" advertised by the media and magazines, versus the "beauty" that comes from within.

The clients were eager to hear my thoughts as well as share their own experiences and challenges with wanting to look like themselves as opposed to what the media says they should look like. I shared my views on how from my experience, we can sometimes stifle our personal self expression to fit in.

We also discussed hair care techniques, as well as having me come into the shelter to be their in-house hair stylist. The clients were very open to the idea, which really made me happy:)

Towards the end we all, especially their kids, enjoyed the cupcakes that were donated by my friends at Sara & Kates Cakery located at 1691 3rd Ave, on the Upper East Side.

Sara & Kates Cakery is under the umbrella of Lee & Maries Cakery Company, They were delicious!!

Then I handed out the gift bags filled with products all donated by friends and clients.

In each bag I also had a copy of "The Power Of Now" by Eckhart Tolle.

Big thanks to my friend, client and fabulous fashion stylist from Miami, Heather Hannon for donating the books!

All in all it was a successful evening filled with love, education and new friends! If you would like to help feel free to contact me and together we will help the  clients of Women-in-Need. I am so excited!


Thank you everyone for all your support!!!

Posted by Unknown at 7:47 AM - 0 comments