Empowering Through Beauty: House of Cherith's Dream Salon
In 2020, House of Cherith unveiled a transformative initiative: the Dream Salon. The Dream Salon isn't just about hair and beauty; it's about reclaiming confidence and restoring dignity for women who have faced the horrors of sexual trafficking and exploitation.
At House of Cherith, we believe every woman deserves to decide how she looks and feels. The Dream Salon was born from this belief—a safe space where residents could shed the expectations imposed upon them and embrace their own beauty choices.
The inception of our Dream Salon owes much to the generosity and vision of Harry Wood, a seasoned stylist from Van Michael. Harry, renowned for his expertise in the hair industry and as the founder of backtoyou.org, was introduced to House of Cherith through Dana Spinola, founder of fabrik and a close friend. Witnessing Dana's development of the Dream Boutique at House of Cherith inspired Harry to extend the vision to include a salon on campus.
Upon visiting House of Cherith, Harry's passion for our mission was ignited. "Living a purpose-driven life and using your talents to serve others—that's what it's all about," Harry remarked. With over three decades at Van Michael and a commitment to educating future stylists through his book Six-Figure Hair Dresser, Harry's influence extends far beyond the salon chair.
Harry lives by the principle of treating others as you would want to be treated—a philosophy that drives his charitable endeavors. His organization, backtoyou.org, provides wig services to those experiencing medically related hair loss, embodying his belief that looking good can help one feel better inside.
One touching example of his support at House of Cherith was for a new resident—a pregnant woman who arrived at House of Cherith feeling vulnerable and self-conscious about her appearance. Through Harry's skill and compassion, she not only found her beauty but also her confidence. From styling sessions to interview preparations, Harry's ongoing support has been instrumental in her journey towards independence and self-assurance.
Harry acknowledges the collective effort required to make a difference. Companies like Aveda and Van Michael have generously contributed supplies, furniture, and volunteer hours to enrich the lives of our residents. "It takes a village," Harry humbly acknowledges. Volunteers like Portia Rutherford, lead stylist from Van Michael, help to make the Dream Salon the success it is. From the surplus of hours spent serving, to coordinating with other stylists, Portia has supported Harry and the Dream Salon’s purpose and mission.
At House of Cherith, the Dream Salon stands not just as a place of beauty but as a testament to resilience and empowerment. Through dedication and the collaborative spirit of our partners, we continue to redefine beauty as a source of strength and self-confidence. Together, we pave the way for a future where every woman can choose her own path to beauty and reclaim her narrative—one hairstyle at a time.