A pair of White Rock stylists are heading to Southeast Asia this month to spend a week teaching the trade of cosmetology to local women who have been affected by poverty, abuse and sexual exploitation.
“We believe we can restore hope by teaching a trade and giving these women hope for a brighter future,” Stephanie Wright, owner of Mystique Hair Design, said in a news release.
The trip is the second of its kind for the local stylists, who participated in a similar, “exploratory trip” to Nepal a year ago. In that effort, they helped establish a training centre in Kathmandu for women who wanted to learn about esthetics and hair styling.
“It was amazing,” Wright told Peace Arch News following the two-week experience.
READ MORE: Nepal mission about sharing tools for a better life
This year, they’re scheduled to leave March 15. In addition to basics in hair care and styling, they’ll “offer creative and advanced education to allow these women the opportunity to learn practical and self-sustaining business solutions to secure their financial future.”
A fundraiser to further support their efforts is set for 6-10 p.m. on May 26. The Stolen Hearts Soiree is to be held at the Glasshouse Estate Winery in Langley.
For more information, visit, www.canadahelps.org/en/pages/nepal-salon-project or contact Wright at 604-542-3616.