Joi Rooks, owner of Fresche Salon in Atlanta, GA has started a new program, the EveryDayPeopleProject (#frescheEPP), to celebrate the beauty of everyday women. Says Joi, “I am so proud of [this] project… Each month we select a nominee who is deserving of a little pampering and a new look. They are women who may not always get that in their lives, and are so appreciative for this opportunity. They receive all hair services we feel they need, brow shaping, makeup and a photo shoot. My entire team participates and it's so rewarding for everyone."
Joi was inspired to start The EveryDayPeopleProject as a way of giving back to the women in her community. Says Joi, "I wanted to do something to help build confidence in the lives of women in our community who may not be in a position to do that for themselves. We began by asking our clients to nominate someone they felt was deserving of a free makeover. We posted info about it everywhere to start building awareness. Then, we started getting nominees and their story as to why they should be selected. We started in January and have done 5 women so far."
The process is all-inclusive. Says Joi, "The makeover includes a consultation where we truly get to know who these women are. We ask a lot of questions, [going] more in-depth than the average consult questions. For instance, [we'll ask], 'If money were no object, who would your style icon be?' Then, we start putting together a whole new look for them, including color, haircut, brow shaping and a makeup application. We collaborate on clothing and accessories for their photo shoot and that's where the real fun starts! They are a little nervous and unsure going into this, but during these shoots we all laugh a lot, have some wine, and watch them blossom. And, our entire team gets a chance to participate, which in turn builds their skill set to do this type of work. We are fortunate that one of our salon receptionists, Jill Yoder, is also a photographer and makes these women feel very comfortable during the shoots."
Joi plans to continue the project through the year, and hopes to see the EveryDayPeopleProject evolve in the future. "We will continue to treat one woman a month to her moment throughout the remainder of the year," says Joi. "Next year, we plan to complete our #frescheEPP by hosting a fashion show event to showcase each monthly recipient.”
[Images courtesy of Glow Communications]
