Total Look Beauty Salon Celebrating 15 Years In Auburn Grehsam May 6th

Katrina Parker
Published: May 9, 2017

TURNING ASHES INTO BEAUTY

Auburn-Gresham hair salon owner celebrates 15^th anniversary with free hair appointments for neighborhood high school seniors

CHICAGO - How do you celebrate 15 years of successfully maintaining a business that, by all media accounts, sits right in the middle of a crime-infested war zone? If you’re Brigette Maxwell, owner of The Total Look hair salon in the city’s Auburn-Gresham neighborhood, you do what comes naturally – you give back by paying it forward.

On Saturday, May 6th, Maxwell kicked off an initiative to provide free hair services (wash, blow-dry, style) for 100 prom- and graduation-bound young women from neighborhood high schools. Local barbershop Krispy Kuts Salon is also joining in the effort by providing free haircuts to prom- and graduation-bound young men.

Born and raised in Auburn-Gresham, Maxwell understands the financial challenges that many residents face during this celebratory season when household finances don’t synchronize with fashion/beauty fantasies. She also knows the importance of creating opportunities to lift the morale and positively raise the profile of this community.

“Over the course of 15 years, I think I’ve practically seen, heard or read about it all –the good, bad and ugly in the community,” said Maxwell. “But, I stand strong in my belief that the good always outweighs the bad. There is beauty here and in other urban neighborhoods across Chicago. I’m just happy that my mission to make ladies pretty reflects the love and beauty of the community I call home.”

In addition to the “hair-services telethon” where people can make their pledge of $35 (hair services for ladies) or $10 (hair services for men), the anniversary will include food, music and poetry by poet/community Blaq Ice, one of Maxwell’s many childhood friends – which include comedians Deon Cole, Wildcat, and Robert “Stick” McClay -- who brought her the idea of a larger, community-focused celebration.

“Brigette’s shop has been a community staple and a testament that contradicts the negativity that is often the focus of daily news reports,” said Blaq Ice. “We can’t let 15 years go by without showing our love and continued appreciation. So, we need everyone to support local youth with a pledge of support.”

For more information or to support the event with a pledged donation, please call 773-456-6092 or visit Paypal/BrigetteMaxwell.

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Keywords: Auburn Grehsam, Beauty Salon, Free Services, Hair Salon, Prom, small businesses