More Than a Spa Day: A Day of Beauty, Care and Hope at BRASS, Inc.
For many survivors of domestic violence, the path to safety is filled with urgent, practical steps: finding shelter, securing important documents, navigating legal systems, and planning for what comes next. Rarely is there much room for simply stopping, breathing, and taking care of yourself.
A few weeks ago, families staying at BRASS, Inc.'s emergency shelter were given a day to do just that.
Thanks to the My Beautiful Life Project, residents were treated to a day of self-care and pampering, complete with professional haircuts and styling, manicures, massages, fresh flowers, and desserts. While the adults relaxed, children enjoyed glitter tattoos and face painting.
It was a day filled with laughter, conversation, beautiful transformations—and moments that were about so much more than hair, nails, or makeup.
Watch WNKY News 40's coverage of the day here: https://www.wnky.com/lexington-based-nonprofit-provides-survivors-at-brass-with-self-care-day/
My Beautiful Life Project was founded by Ukrainian women from the Lexington area who wanted to create something special for survivors of domestic violence. The idea began when one of the founders, a hairstylist, met a client who was leaving an abusive relationship.
The woman shared that getting her hair done was one of the first steps in rebuilding her life. That experience inspired the founders to bring that same feeling of care, confidence, and possibility to more women and children living in shelter.
“We thought it would be a wonderful day for them to relax,” said Jenni Leeds, Director of Development at BRASS, Inc. “They could forget their troubles for a little bit and focus on themselves.”
And for some, the experience was deeply meaningful.
Yelena Litvin, co-founder of My Beautiful Life Project, shared the story of one woman who initially declined a massage, explaining that she had never experienced positive touch. After watching others receive their massages, she ultimately decided to participate.
That moment captures something important about a day like this: healing doesn't always happen in big, dramatic moments. Sometimes it begins with something as simple as allowing yourself to be cared for.
As Yelena shared, “Others have said, I didn’t know I could be this beautiful.”
A haircut doesn't erase what someone has experienced. A manicure doesn't change the circumstances that brought a family to shelter. But a moment of rest, a kind touch, a child laughing over a glitter tattoo, or the chance to look in the mirror and feel beautiful can offer something powerful: a reminder that life can hold moments of joy, dignity, and hope, even in the middle of a difficult chapter.
We are incredibly grateful to Nadiia Moiseieva, Yelena Litvin, and Oksana Krytska of My Beautiful Life Project for traveling to Bowling Green, sharing their talents, and creating such a beautiful experience for the families in our care.
This is what community partnership can look like.
BRASS, Inc. has served survivors across the ten counties of the Barren River region since 1980. Each year, we provide emergency shelter to around 300 survivors of domestic violence and support nearly 3,000 individuals throughout our service area. Partners like My Beautiful Life Project help us care for the whole person—not just the crisis.
We are grateful for everyone who helps make moments like these possible.
Want to help create more moments of safety, dignity, joy, and hope? You can donate, volunteer, or bring your business or group on as a BRASS, Inc. community partner at brassinc.org.
If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, help is available 24 hours a day. Call the BRASS, Inc. crisis line at 1-800-928-1183.
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