“I love being able to help someone smile at themselves again, I love listening and seeing who each person is, because each individual, no matter their circumstance, is worthy of being here” - Arianna Lyman
Think back to the last time you got a new hairstyle. How did you feel? I assume maybe a little more confident, higher self-esteem, deeper self love? Maybe for some it’s not a haircut, but a massage, a pedicure, or maybe it's a day you give yourself to relax and not feel the pressure of getting your everyday tasks done, and giving yourself the time to feel beautiful in the skin you’re in. Most of us have the ability to get a haircut and find ways to refresh our look regularly, but that is not the case for our clients.
I’d like to introduce you to Arianna Lyman, who works under the business name Neon Margot Salon in Seattle and is a very gifted hairstylist. Arianna is a beautiful soul who believes that everyone should have the ability to feel good about themselves. Arianna first approached Facing Homelessness last year when she was searching for an organization focused on homelessness, as she felt compelled to get involved by using her skills as a beautician in a way that could make a difference in our community. Arianna wants to turn her passion projects, titled “Best Day Ever” events, into something sustainable and hopefully one day integrate them into a larger part of her career. Arianna sees that when we look good on the outside, we feel more able to be seen and worthy of connection and love, and when we have love and connection in our lives, we are naturally brought to a place where we can be our best selves. This is why Arianna feels passionate about volunteering her time and skillset - this work resonates with her and simultaneously impacts our unhoused clients in important ways that may be overlooked when we consider the needs of those living on the streets.
From the beginning, Arianna has been incredibly generous in sharing her story. She has not only experienced housing instability herself, but her sister Ronda, who is now deceased, came into her life through foster care which impacted their lives well into adulthood and still informs Arianna’s viewpoint. Arianna has also shared with us about her own struggles with addiction and homelessness, and how she holds her sister Ronda’s memory and life experiences close in her heart. Her deep compassion is a source of love from which she draws to help communities who don’t have the financial resources to receive these services.
On Saturday March 4th, Arianna hosted her third haircutting event right on the patio of The Window of Kindness. Arianna is a big believer in community, and as such, she also connected us with Demond, who is an experienced chef and is opening up his own restaurant, Dirty Bird Woodfire right off of Leary Way in Seattle. Demond brought smoked brisket, pulled pork, mac & cheese, and coleslaw, which was a perfect addition to everything we had going on that day. Together, these two turned a rainy, cold, and what some of our visitors could call a miserable day, into a day filled with love, new connections, delicious food and some excellent new looks. Within 5 hours, Arianna was able to give 8 haircuts, and by the end of the day, all of the food was gone!
While many services are offered in the city of Seattle for folks who live outside, it’s rare for our unhoused neighbors to have access to such amazing food, or get the unconditional feeling of connection and care that comes from receiving a haircut from someone like Arianna. Facing Homelessness’ amazing community of volunteers makes this possible with their time, attention, and love. Thank you all for showing up as your true selves and contributing your authentic passion and skills, and making our work not only possible, but expanding on what we are able to provide. So much LOVE to all of you!
Would you like to contribute to a special event at Facing Homelessness? If so, please contact Karina@facinghomelessness.org
With so much love,
University District |Karina, Phoebe, Caroline
A QUIET THOUGHT - If you're moved by the goodness of this community, please visit http://www.facinghomelessness.org/
and click on the 'donate' button and consider a "monthly recurring" donation of just $5 in support of the work. THANK YOU!
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