MELBOURNE – Local businesswoman Cathy Bucklin knows how hard it is for some women to succeed in the work place.
“I’ve never been abused but I was pretty insecure getting back into the work force,” said the single mom and owner of Elmo’s Full Service Hair Salon.
That’s why she’s teamed up with the Women’s Center and other local business owners to provide a day of pampering for five Women’s Center clients.
Ms. Bucklin and her team will be providing makeovers for recent graduates of the Women’s Center’s displaced homemaker career guidance program.
Displaced homemakers are typically 35 years of age or older and have been working in the home or inadequately employed, said Meg Rayder, career guide for the Women’s Center.
Often the women have been dependent upon the income of a spouse or family member who is no longer supporting them, Ms. Rayder said.
“These women face a lot of obstacles when entering the workforce,” said Ms. Rayder. “I’m always looking for ways to lift the self-esteem of my clients.”
Enter Ms. Bucklin and her team of beauty specialists.
“I wanted to give these women a day of pampering,” said Ms. Bucklin. “These women have worked hard to get to where they are.”
Ms. Bucklin has assembled a group consisting of massage therapists, makeup artists and hair stylists who have volunteered to give five women a very special day.
“We’re still looking for a few more (beauty consultants), like nail technicians or other spa services,” said Ms. Bucklin.
The team will work from 1-5 p.m., Sept. 30, to make over the Women’s Center clients, giving them a new look for their new careers.
Clients of the center’s displaced homemaker program complete workshops, coursework, mock interviews, develop a resume and learn other skills to make them more employable, Ms. Rayder said.
“It could take a few months, or it could take a year,” said Ms. Rayder. “It’s designed to be a support system for them.”
The idea of the makeover day was born during a chance meeting between Ms. Rayder and Ms. Bucklin at a networking event.
“The clients I see in the career program need a boost and some support,” said Ms. Rayder. “Cathy has been a wonderful help. All she wants to do is give back to women who deserve it.”
Ms. Bucklin asked for help from some of the beauty consultants she has met while growing her own business, Elmo’s Full Service Hair Salon.
Makeup expert Mary Shaffer will be teaching the women how to apply cosmetics to achieve a polished, professional look.
“It’s a self esteem thing,” said Ms. Shaffer, also a single mother. “You feel pretty and confident with a touch of makeup.”
Ms. Schaffer has a long history of using cosmetics to boost women’s self esteem. While in West Palm Beach, she worked with the American Cancer Society’s “Look Good, Feel Better” program, teaching cancer patients how to apply makeup as their body changes during chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
The five makeover recipients deserve a day of beauty after their hard work to regain their lives, Ms. Rayder said.
“Each of them has a remarkable story,” said Ms. Rayder.
One client is re-entering the workforce after 20 years as a stay-at-home mom, she said. The woman overcame a messy divorce and a battle with cancer, and is now ready to get a job.
“She dealt with a lot of grief and self-esteem issues,” said Ms. Rayder.
The list of volunteers continues to grow as word of Ms. Bucklin’s event gets out.
“We just received commitments from a photographer who will do (professional photos) after the women receive their makeovers, and a color consultant who will help the women select wardrobe colors to enhance their image.
Ms. Bucklin’s desire to help Women’s Center clients continues to grow.
“I’m planning to give 5 percent of the revenue from new clients in September to the Women’s Center,” said Ms. Bucklin.
Ms. Bucklin will accept donations for the Women’s Center up to the day of the event at Elmo’s Full Service Hair Salon, 223 W. Hibiscus Blvd, Melbourne.
In addition to cash, the center needs interview clothing, business attire and volunteers, said Ms. Rayder.
For information, call (321) 952-2638 or visit www.elmosbarbershop.com.
For information on the Women’s Center, including upcoming career guidance programs and career expos, visit www.womenscenterinbrevard.org.
