The gift of a fresh look, new outfit help women get ready for job hunt

“I need a second job so I can make it on my own,” said Yvonne Davis of West Oak Lane while having her hair pressed and curled on Christmas Eve at Xquisite Hair Design in Wyncote, Pa. “One job is not enough to make it on my own.” 

 

Davis and about 50 other women from local shelters and recovery programs traveled to Xquisite Monday for makeovers and new clothes collected by salon staff, their clients and the community.

 

A hot meal was donated by Chik-fil-A and Blue Heaven restaurant, both located in the Cedarbrook Shopping Plaza with Xquisite salon.  Salon client Crystal Browning overheard the stylists talking about the event and offered to come in and help the women with their resumes.  

 

Salon Owner Bob O’Donnell stressed that the event was an effort of many, but that the big heart of salon manager Rasheena Stewart was the driving factor.

 

“If some of the women were not working, we want to make sure they’re able to get back out there into the workforce,” said Stewart.  The women come from area shelters and programs including Women Walking in Victory, Sunday Breakfast Shelter, Stenton Family Manor, Family House and the Salvation Army.  Stewart’s affiliation with church pastors in the area led her to women in need.

 

“A hairdo may change someone’s day,” said Stewart. “We want to do this for years to come.”