D.C. salon provides pampering, comfort for domestic violence shelter residents

A client waited patiently in the lobby of the Aveda Institute at Gallery Place. The light touches of rosy makeup applied by one of the students at the teaching salon brightened her eyes and cheeks.

The 22-year-old thought she had to pay for the day of pampering but was amazed to find out that it was free. She and 19 other women from a Northwest Washington domestic violence shelter were treated to the services, as a way to help them feel beautiful.

And just as surprising for the 22-year-old was finding out that the student cutting her hair was her former basketball coach.

"I was shocked and happy to see her. We caught up and talked about basketball," she said. "I played with the same number she used to play with, number 15, and she'd always tell me, 'You have my number; don't let me down.' "

The student stylist, Tracy Jackson, said she was just as surprised to see her former player and said it was great to service her.

"I was glad that she looked good, glad that she reached out and got some help," Jackson said. "I thought that was courageous."

Lali Munoz, team lead of retail and guest services for the institute, coordinated the event in three weeks after introducing herself to a client who is a case manager at the shelter. They collaborated to create a day of pampering for 20 women from the shelter, which houses 108 women and offers spiritual and emotional support and help finding jobs.

The case manager spoke on condition that her name and the names of the shelter and its residents be withheld to protect their privacy.

The guests were given a complimentary haircut, cuticle treatments with nail polish, facials and products to take with them. Aveda typically charges $18 for haircuts and $40 for facials, about 60 percent less than most salons because Aveda is a school. Munoz got nearby businesses to participate, with the salad shop Chop't, Bar Louie and Red Velvet Cupcakery donating food.

She said she was motivated to create the special day because she had worked as a child advocate for domestic violence victims.

"I'm very passionate about it, and I just pushed for it," Munoz said. "I let the students know that they are day-makers. We're here to give them hope and welcome them with open arms."

Verona Vammen, a cosmetology educator at the institute, had her students participate in the event because she said she wanted to help the guests feel empowered.