High school girls in Alexandria received a dose of self-assurance at Mayor Gaskins' Back-to-School Hairstyling Event.
In the heart of Alexandria, Virginia, less than a week before the start of the new academic year on Monday, Aug. 18, Iye's Beauty Salon became a beacon of community spirit. The event, an initiative of Mayor Alyia Gaskins, aimed to help students feel confident and ready for school.
Taking place on Tuesday, Aug. 12, the Back-to-School Salon was supported by multiple community sponsors. Mind the Mat, Tracie Bryant, The Concrete Rose Scholarship Foundation, Dalmyra's, Kevin and Cassandra Lewis, Lauren Fisher, and even the First National Bank lent their support at various levels.
The event, designed to serve less than 20 participants due to capacity constraints, provided a host of services. Free professional hairstyling, backpacks courtesy of Alexandria City Public Schools, and food were all on offer.
The initiative, now in its first year with sponsorship from the Concrete Rose Scholarship Foundation, addresses a real need in the community. Often, families prioritise basic necessities over services like professional hairstyling.
Iye Bayoh, the salon owner, who previously worked at Angel Salon for 12 years before opening her own business, was at the helm of the event. Her team worked tirelessly to create popular hairstyles such as boho knotless braids, jumbo braids, Fulani braids, and zigzag cornrows inspired by basketball players.
The event created an emotional moment when a sixth-grader received her first professional hairstyle. Such moments underscored the impact of the event on the community. Gaynelle Diaz, senior director of resident services for ARHA, expressed the importance of providing resources for more stylists.
ARHA is establishing a nonprofit structure to accept donations that would help compensate stylists who volunteer their time. The publisher, Ryan Belmore, shared a personal connection to the event and its significance for the girls involved.
Greene praised the community impact of the mayor's initiative, highlighting its importance in helping students start the new school year with a boost of confidence. Despite the capacity constraints, which saw five girls unable to be accommodated due to full booking, the event was a resounding success.
