Beautiful inside and out
Salon gives Iris Kirby residents an early present
By Danette Dooley

For the second year in a row, the Hair Force Salon and Spa in Mount Pearl has provided free makeovers for women living at Iris Kirby House.
“I think at some point in everybody’s lives they’ve been down, but somebody has inspired them to move forward,” says Hair Force owner Marjorie Clarke.
“I’m hoping that what we do to increase these women’s self-esteem can help them move forward in their lives,” she says.
Iris Kirby House is a haven for women escaping recent relationship violence. It’s also home to their children.
Violence doesn’t discriminate. It hits people of all ages. The women pampered by Clarke and her staff on Dec. 10 ranged in ages from 23 to 63.
“First when they came in, they appeared to be a bit timid,” Clarke says. “But, this is all about women helping women.”
“And as the morning progressed they became more comfortable. There was lots of laughing and they were talking about their children”
The women were also given a special piece of jewelry to complement their new look.
By the time the women left, Clarke recalls, they not only looked different, but more importantly, felt better about themselves.
“They had pep in their steps. They are all incredible women.”
The women were in good hands at the Hair Force. Clarke and her staff have won numerous awards in recent years, including Canadian Classic Hairstylist of the Year, Canadian Makeover Artist of the Year and Canadian Colorist of the Year. Clarke is also a former North American Hairstylist of the Year winner.
Cathy (not her real name) was one of the seven women who underwent a makeover. “I had highlights and a hair cut and they done my make-up, too. I walked out of there looking and feeling like a million bucks,” the 36-year-old single parent says.
Jill (not her real name) is also a single parent. She’s delighted with the necklace she was given, as well as with the new hair cut and foils.
The salon was closed to the public when the women went there, which made them feel safe and comfortable, Jill says.
“Before I went there I was sitting here figuring that I’ll never be able to get my hair done again because it’s so expensive. But then I go there and they show us a wonderful time. We had donuts and coffee and Pepsi and Coke. It was just so relaxing and they were al just so friendly.”
Sheila Ryan is program co-coordinator at Iris Kirby House.
It’s thanks to people like those at the Hair Force that she’s started a community hero board this year. It’s an endeavor she hopes will continue for many years to come.
“Every time somebody does something nice for us like providing food for hampers or movie passes, we tell them that they are a community hero and I take their photo and put them on our board,” Ryan says.
The generosity of those living in the community goes a long way to help battered women realize they have supports outside the shelter, she says.
“They can look at all these pictures or ordinary people – old people, young people, people who work with various companies – and that helps them see they are not along.”
Ryan says Clarke’s generosity goes a long way in helping women living at Iris Kirby House feel better about themselves, particularly at this time of year.
“One woman told me after she had her makeover that she spent the next day in the mirror. She just couldn’t believe how good she looked.”
“It’s like finally the outside matches the inside. Because these are all strong courageous women.”