Today we’d like to introduce you to Carolyn Anderson.
Hi Carolyn, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey really began in 2009. At the time, I was learning the art of wig styling and customizing from my former business partner, a talented hairdresser and wig master working with Broadway and theaters across the country. In 2011, he was diagnosed with cancer. That changed everything for me, professionally and personally.
Around that same time, I was introduced to a woman named Robbin. She was a friend of a client, in the early stages of terminal pancreatic cancer, and needed a wig for her son’s wedding. I remember feeling so conflicted about charging her knowing what her prognosis was. I wanted to just give it to her for free but I couldn’t afford to absorb the cost back then.
That experience stayed with me. And it’s what led me to start AngelHair, Inc. a nonprofit that provides free wigs to women going through cancer-treatment-related hair loss. I was able to call Robbin just two days before she passed to let her know AngelHair was officially launched. She gave me her blessing, and I’ve felt her watching over us ever since.
That’s the heart of what I do. There are plenty of companies out there that sell wigs, but they can be expensive, impersonal, and difficult to work with, especially for someone already facing a medical crisis. I wanted to do it differently. That’s always been my motto: Do beautiful, Be beautiful.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s definitely had its challenges, most of them financial. When people think of a nonprofit, they don’t realize there is a true financial cost of doing the daily tasks of business, not just what you do for the people you serve. I’ve funded most of the program through my business and support from my husband, family and friends. In addition to our financial donors, we are also grateful for the wig donations from companies and individuals. We don’t do a whole lot of traditional marketing. Everything with AngelHair has grown through word of mouth, my salon business, and the support of our community. What’s amazing about this is we have become a nationwide program, providing no cost wigs to anyone experiencing cancer related hair loss all around the country.
One of the most beautiful things that’s come out of it are our wig washing parties. Volunteers come together to clean and prep wigs for distribution. At our most recent event, we processed over 800 wigs in a single day. Every time I host one of those events I am overwhelmed by the compassion and dedication of the wonderful volunteers.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
AngelHair, Inc. is supported and located within Carolyn Anderson Premier Salon & Med Spa. We offer everything from traditional salon services, esthetic treatments, IV therapy, acupuncture, advanced trichology services for hair loss and scalp disorders, as well as a full list of medically-directed cosmetic spa treatments. I also offer wig sales, styling and customizing on the for-profit side, separate from AngelHair, for those who want a more personalized approach to their wig fittings and needs.
What really sets us apart is the care we offer. For example, we have a private room with a wash station for clients who may be recovering from a medical emergency, going through cancer treatments, or experiencing alopecia. Really anyone who needs privacy or a little extra space. We’ve had women come in completely closed off, not wanting to be seen because of their hair loss struggles. When they walk out with their heads held high and a smile on their face, people in the salon tear up just witnessing that transformation. I’ve been one of them on multiple occasions.
On the AngelHair side, I’m incredibly proud of the simple process we’ve created. All someone needs is an application from the AngelHair web site signed by their doctor along with a few other details. Once we receive everything, they can select a wig of their choice off our website completely free of charge.
At the end of the day, all of this is about more than just hair. It’s about restoring dignity, confidence, and beauty. It is true that when we look good, we feel better. There is a lot of power and healing in seeing our reflection in the mirror and feeling good about what reflects back.
What’s next?
If I’m being honest, I’ve never been much of a planner. AngelHair created itself in many ways. I just followed the path it laid out. That said, I have a lot of hopes. I’d love to see AngelHair build a solid financial future so that we can continue our mission of providing free wigs to everyone losing their hair from cancer drugs and treatments. I would also love to see the salon and med spa grow, especially since that is such an anchor for AngelHair. We are always learning, listening and looking for new ways to Do beautiful, Be beautiful.
Pricing:
- AngelHair wigs are completely free to anyone experiencing hair loss due to medical conditions. There’s a simple process of filing out a short application and having it signed by a medical professional. No income requirements, no cumbersome paperwork.
- For salon and med spa pricing, everything is listed on our website: www.carolynandersonsalon.com
Contact Info:
- Website: www.carolynandersonsalon.com / angelhairforcancer.org
- Instagram: @carolyn_anderson_premier_salon
- Facebook: Carolyn Anderson Salon / AngelHair.inc
