Even one small business can make a difference. Especially one such as Studio 480 The Salon right here in Northeast Mesa. In April, salon owner Renee Ulman raised more than $600 for Ukrainian women and children, who fled the atrocities in Ukraine.
“If we all did something small, it would turn out to be something huge,” said Renee. She decided to do her part after connecting with her uncle in Poland. Her parents are from Poland. “I just felt an overwhelming need to help,” Renee explained.
The things her uncle told her, about how there is a need to provide, prompted Renee to sponsor a fundraiser at Studio 480 The Salon. She encouraged her fellow stylists to promote the retail products at the salon, for which Renee donated 25 percent of the sales to The Catholic Communities Foundation, earmarked to a charity in Poland, Caritas Polska. Clients also donated cash for the cause, Renee shared. “If every small business could raise $600, think about how much good we can do,” said Renee. “I should do more. We live in a great place. We never had to deal with those hardships.”
Alena Andujar, a stylist at Studio 480 The Salon, raised the most proceeds. She earned a $100 gift certificate. Plus, Renee gushed, Alena is pregnant and due in July. So, the prize was a reward to help with her new arrival. “If you feel a passion for helping others, just find a way to do it, even if it’s on the smallest scale,” Renee said.
Studio 480 The Salon is located at 6655 E. McDowell Road, Suite 105, Mesa. For an appointment, call (480) 985-2369