( ENSPIRE Community Spotlight ) Houston – Based Luxury Hair Company So Unique Hair Treats 5 Deserving Women to a Complimentary Makeover
ENSPIRE Contributor: LaShonda Thompson
So Unique Hair teamed together with numerous local hairstylists, makeup artists, photographers, and videographers in early October to give five women with “Unique” stories the ultimate glam experience. The five women, who had never met before, connected on set as they became models for the day, sharing their triumph stories. Unique Hair provided complimentary hair extensions to each model, as well as a makeover by an exclusive glam squad. In addition, the women told their stories on video to encourage other women to appreciate their “unique” circumstances. Ashley Anderson, the owner of So Unique Hair, intends to work with the models on future initiatives.
There is a certain magic that happens to women when receiving a makeover. There is a boost of confidence, a sense of self-worth, and a show of self-love. So Unique Hair, along with their glam shoot partners Tema Cosmetics, RdotSmith Photography, Kanvas By Kris, The Ash SLAY Suite, Ruth & Naomi Mentoring/Leadership, and CJMK Visuals, together helped five women elevate their uniqueness.
Name: Brittany King
Story: Brittany King is a passionate, self-proclaimed hope Dealer who has created a bold reputation for herself as a speaker and consultant due not only to her triumphant life journey but her commitment to helping others use their voice to impact the world for good. Whether speaking from the stage or doing corporate consulting, Brittany’s superpower lies in her ability to deliver talks that inspire action and instill hope. Brittany has shared the stage as a keynote speaker with the likes of Miss Universe, Harvard and Yale Lecturers, Star Jones, Destiny’s Child’s Latavia Roberson, and BET’s Miss Mykie. Brittany aims to spread the message that obstacles are meant to be overcome.
Name: Stephanie Carey
Story: I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) during my junior year in college. I was driving home from school and noticed my vision had become blurry in one eye and had gone almost completely out in the other. After going to the doctor and receiving multiple tests, MRIs, and a lumbar puncture, the doctor informed me that I had Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The damage of MS can slow and completely block communication between your body and the brain, causing many symptoms such as cognitive dysfunction, vision problems, fatigue, muscle spasms, problems learning, thinking, or planning, and depression and anxiety. Eight years have passed, and though the battles have been many, God still reigns supreme. Through painful and scary doctor’s appointments, accessorizing which walking cane goes with my outfit when needed, lost jobs, friends, and opportunities, God has propelled me forward and positioned me in purpose. I have been blessed with the opportunity to work with one of the top Public Relations firms in the state of Texas. I am surrounded by family and friends who love and support me, and though it is not always easy, God has granted me peace and serenity through this journey.
Name: Diane Tribitt
Story: At the age of 9-years old, I was diagnosed with Vitiligo, an autoimmune disease that causes a loss of pigment resulting in white patches on the skin. As I got older, many of the things I hoped to be and do seemed out of my reach because I didn’t meet what society deemed “perfect’. Fast forward; I have been a featured model for “The Skin I’m In” Project with celebrity photographer Ferrell Phelps and “The Positive Exposure” Project Exhibit for renowned photographer Rick Guidotti. I am also the founder of the Houston Vitiligo Awareness Movement (HVAM), a support group/community for individuals living with Vitiligo. Our mission is to educate our community about Vitiligo. In 2019 several amazing things happened; my story was featured on the OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network) in an episode of “The Book of John Gray,” HVAM hosted the World Vitiligo Day Conference where esteemed doctors and individuals with Vitiligo from around the world gathered in Houston, and I released my first book, “My Journey To Just Be Me. Moments of Reflection With The ONE I Love”. The fact is, Vitiligo didn’t stop me…it empowered me!
Name: Courtney N.
Story: My name is Courtney Elaine. I was assaulted as a teenager. I suffered a spinal cord injury due to the assault, which left me partially paralyzed, making me a wheelchair user. Post-injury I began to suffer from depression and PTSD. However, I found that what kept me from sinking and ultimately kept me alive besides my faith was the ability and desire to create. Creative expression has been a tool to help me combat depression and manage traumatic stress. Over the years, I’ve used photography, graphic design, film, and entrepreneurship as ways to express myself and ultimately share my testimony.
Name: Jordan Cummings
Story: Looking back on my life through my self-journey, I am becoming the woman I always wanted to be. Growing up, I struggled with my confidence. It took me a long time to actually learn how to gain confidence. In grade school, I grew up as the “heavy set girl.” This truly shaped me mentally and emotionally by what people thought of me. I knew the definition of self-love but never knew its meaning. Battling with depression for many years made it really hard for me to care for myself. Through my college years, I tried to be perfect my whole life: ideal student, ideal friend, and perfect daughter until I had to learn how to embrace my flaws finally and know that I deserved happiness and was worthy. I am a Perfect imperfection! Jordan is Michelle Cummings’s daughter, the mother who was killed in DC while dropping her son off for the Navy.
These five women are genuinely deserving of a Glam Day. Their lives and experiences are an inspiration to us all that even through the rough times; you have to continue forward in life, one step at a time, one foot in front of the other. Never give up!
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