Lexington, KY - One of Elle Magazine's top 100 salons in the country (as listed in their August issue), is Lexington's Seasons Salon and Spa, the only pick from Kentucky. In addition to serving as purveyors of sophisticated coifs, lavish massages and other luxurious spa treatments, the staff at Seasons is dedicated to giving back to the community in their own unique ways.
"Our whole industry is gratifying," said Pam Nystrom, owner of Seasons Salon and Spa since it opened in July of 2006. "You can sit down and make someone feel better."
Nystrom believes in actively helping people, in and out of the salon. In addition to making people feel better aesthetically and physically, Nystom said, "It is really important to me to be involved in the community."
While discussing a focus for their charitable work, the staff at Seasons discovered an interesting common thread: many of the employees had, in some way, been affected by breast cancer, whether in family members or friends, or even clients. Through this discovery, Nystrom and her staff agreed to support the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a national organization with local chapters dedicated to promoting breast cancer awareness and research. The salon has supported other charities, such as Locks of Love, but Komen seems to have the most impact on Nystrom and the rest of the salon's 19 employees.
Due to Nystrom's extensive involvement in the local chapter of the foundation, including organizing and assisting with events, she is now a board member. In 2007, Nystrom sponsored the first Pink Tie Gala, and she plans on being even more involved with this year's event, which is scheduled for Sept. 26. Seasons will be styling five breast cancer survivors to model the auction items that night. "We have a booth set up at the Gala, and we do the survivors' hair and makeup right there so that everyone can see what's going on," Nystrom said. "I felt like having survivors be our models would make such an impact."
Through a partnership with Philip Pelusi Cosmetics, Nystrom and other employees of Seasons Salon and Spa have had the opportunity to twice attend Fashion Week in New York City. On Oct. 23, Nystrom will use this experience from the fashion industry to further benefit Komen with a runway show at Coldstream Research Center. The event will include everything from men in skirts to a silent auction, with fashion modeled by both survivors and runway models. The clothing will be provided by local designers and boutiques.