An Offer She Couldn't Refuse

Kristin I. Dodds takes Gjoko Shkreli up on his offer.

Kristin I. Dodds smiles for the camera, flaunting her newly colored and "upside-down cut" mane, courtesy of Gjoko Spa and Salon.

You may remember reading back in our June issue about salon owner Gjoko Shkreli's "win-win-win" promo: a free cut and color to anyone who's out of work.

Being the good sister that she is, Krisitn reads Launchpad each month, cover to cover. And being one of the millions of unemployed, the article piqued her interest. Following is Kristin's account of her wonderful experience at the Larchmont, New York, salon. —Amy Dodds

I was laid off from my newspaper gig a while back, finding cash a bit tight and was in dire need of a cut & color. Being occupationally challenged is no reason to walk around the city with messy roots and split ends! Lucky for me, my sister Amy is the managing editor at Launchpad and put a stop to my incessant whining with an amazing solution! Gjoko Spa & Salon's stylists- and colorists-in-training! On Thursdays the salon's newbies cut and color free of charge.

Kristin before, with nephew James

Gjoko Shkreli personally paired me up with Luz Quevedo. My golden blonde highlights were done with wax paper, which I've never experienced before, and whatever they used to lighten my hair was incredible! I usually feel like it takes time for my hair to recover after it's been processed, but this time my hair felt just has healthy post-color. Gjoko and Luz did an “upside down” cut for me that was mildly terrifying but very cool at the same time. I was instructed to flip my hair upside down, it was pulled into a ponytail, they both grabbed hold and with Gjoko's guidance, Luz did a blunt cut straight across. The result was sexy, shaggy layers with tons of movement and a much cleaner and put together me! —Kristin I. Dodds