Aug 14, 2014
Brianna Birdwell styles a woman's hair during a Day of Pampering.The daughter of a woman from the shelter joined the fun.

Just one day of pampering can transform someone’s look – and outlook.

For women from Samaritan Women at the Well in Texas City Aug. 7 was a day of relaxation and recharging.
 
Students in the College of the Mainland Cosmetology Program treated the women from the Texas City shelter to haircuts, eyebrow waxing, manicures and pedicures during a “Day of Pampering” at the Salon at College of the Mainland at 15009 Delaney Rd. in La Marque.
 
Kristy Sebok, a shelter resident, relaxed as COM student Hilda Chavez gave her a pedicure and Laura Moore prepared her nails for a manicure.
 
“I feel like royalty,” said Sebok. “This is a blessing.”
 
Moore and her classmates volunteered their services.
 
“You get addicted to making people feel pretty,” said Moore, of Texas City. “It’s your way to reach out to people.”
 
Pam Swansy looked forward to debuting her new look as she continues her job search.
 
“I just moved to Texas City four weeks ago,” said Swansy.

“She did an awesome job. She did the whole bundle,” she added, gesturing to COM student Chelsey Marshall, who trimmed her hair and gave her a manicure and pedicure.
 
The COM cosmetology students have treated women to free makeovers for three years, said COM cosmetology instructor Elaine Baker.
 
“We had a student from the shelter. That’s how we got started,” said Baker. “Part of the cosmetology motto is to give back.”
 
For several of the cosmetology students, the project was their final day at the salon before graduation.
 
“Today’s my last day,” said Brianna Birdwell. “I like helping people and want people to feel good. That’s why I’m in the industry.”

Chavez agreed.

“We get to volunteer. I want to do more. It’s nice to have people come, and we want to make them beautiful.”  
 
Samaritan Women at the Well is an outreach ministry of the Word of Faith Christian Life Center and provides housing, counseling and support services are provided to victims of family breakdown, homelessness, natural disasters, economic hardship and substance addiction.
 
The COM Cosmetology Program trains students wanting to become cosmetologists, estheticians or cosmetology instructors.  For more information about the program, visit www.com.edu/cosmetology or call 409-933-8480.