The efforts of the Metro St. Louis Cinderella Project helped to provide more than 150 girls from more than 40 high schools facing financial difficulties with prom dresses, and in most cases, free hairstyles, make-up and manicures. Belleza Salon of O’Fallon, MO, a Matrix Spread the Love Salon, with the support of Matrix, is joined the pre-prom dress collection efforts. On January 24, Belleza owner Robyn Clark accepted donations of gently used or new prom dress. In celebration of the effort, the salon also had live music, a special jewelry sale and free Bare Mineral makeup applications throughout the day. Also on hand were Matrix Spread the Love Ambassadors, recent beauty school graduates selected by Matrix to spend a year traveling the country. The Ambassadors provided complimentary conditioning treatments and Matrix hairspray products to all prom dress contributors, along with prom beauty and style tips; mentored local beauty school students; and will be on hand for the Beleza Salon dress drive.
Clark was inspired to join the Cinderella Project efforts when she was styling a young client for her prom. The client had brought along a friend, who watched and complimented the styling. Not having the financial resources to get her own her done for prom, she opted out until Clark offered to style her prom 'do free of charge. “That got me thinking that there are so many kids who don’t get to have the wonderful prom experience,” Clark says. She then immediately inquired as to how to get involved in the Cinderella project efforts.“For our team, this project is all part of working in our salon. We know that we’re all very blessed, and we know that it’s important to give back.”