In October 2010, Angie Strickland, owner of Bothell’s Hair Designers and The Hair Express, received news from her beauty-salon product supplier, Matrix, that her salons were chosen to “spread the love.” “Spread the love” is a warm, gentle phrase, but in this case, the words are packed with action and meaning for Angie, her salon stylists and our community.
In April, stylists at Hair Designers and The Hair Express volunteered their time and talents to help women from Eastside Domestic Violence, HopeLink Women’s shelter and several wives of Army soldiers from Fort Lewis who served in Afghanistan.
The women were treated to makeovers and haircuts, and sent home with gift bags of shampoo, conditioner and combs.
“We even had clients, who heard about the event, make refreshments to serve to our guests,” says Angie.
Angie notes that the women were most appreciative and the stylists felt good about providing a service to our community.
She adds, “One woman had never been to a salon before and she was so thankful for the experience.”
And yet another loved her hair so much she couldn’t wait to go to school to see if anyone would notice.
This July, in keeping with the salons’ commitment to Matrix, stylists and two beauty-school students, chosen by Matrix, will honor some of their regular Northshore clients who could benefit from their service. Deep conditioning treatments are on tap for the occasion. Angie sees this as a client appreciation event.
Angie was honored that Matrix chose her salons as they only choose one salon from each state. Angie and her daughter, stylist Michelle, flew to Palm Springs to learn about the “Spread the Love “program — all expenses paid by Matrix.
She says, “Then they gave us an assignment. They asked us to blog about our salon and to read other salons’ blogs to help us connect with other stylists and salons and to help each other in our profession.”
She adds, “They also asked us to be involved in our communities.”
Angie’s two salons have organized toy drives to benefit South Snohomish County Toy Shop, held fund-raisers for American Cancer Society and initiated food drives to benefit HopeLink and Lynnwood Food Bank. Angie’s two salons have also adopted families during the holidays providing toys, clothes and food.
Beauty product supplier Matrix has a mission — Matrix is committed to serving each and every community salon and empowering stylists to create positive change for their clients and the world around them.
Angie’s Hair Designers and The Hair Express have not only fulfilled Matrix’s mission, but have created a mission of their own. We’re lucky to have them in our Northshore community.
Note: Hair Designers and The Hair Express have been chosen to be featured in Vogue, Allure, Cosmopolitan, Elle and Glamour to advertise their new color lines.
Suzanne G. Beyer is a Bothell resident.
Top photo cutline: Hair Designers salon, from left to right, Sam Ritter, Michelle Asbell, Cindy Crane, Corey Hudspeth, Terri Zadorozny, Angie Strickland, Luz Jauregui, Kristy Jones, Mackenzie Anderson, Julie Noller, Jo Pick.
Bottom photo cutline: The Hair Express, from left to right, Pamela Coleman, Jo Pick, Rachelle Starkel, Angie Strickland, Lisa Bailey, Sam Ritter, Corryn Fix, Charlotte Ware, Caillee Vangstad.
