Pampering at the beauty salon makes all the difference for women embarking on a new path in life.

Celebrating the personal and professional growth of women in the Oakland Private Industry Council’s (PIC) JOBS program, Moods and Attitudes Salon donated free hair and makeup services to a group of female ex-offenders at a “Self Love Day” on Tuesday in partnership with PIC.”

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Staff from the Oakland PIC and Moods and Attitudes salon worked together to make sure clients walked out feeling beautiful and confident. L to R, clients Tunesitia Gentry, Deanna Williams, Rayna Lett-Bell with Oakland PIC, client Teresa Martinez, Yvette Smith with Oakland PIC, stylists Shakela Lewis, Dani Bramlett, and Paula Chambers. Not pictured are clients Rachelle Williams, Ramona Williams, Monique Resendez, and salon owner Anita Chambers.

ether they were preparing for a job interview or looking to continue their education, getting their hair and makeup done was a big confidence booster for these women.

Funded by a Department of Labor female ex-offender grant, the JOBS program helps women secure employment after being released from prison. It also connects them with support services such as housing, family reunification, mental health resources and help with legal issues.

Being treated to a relaxing makeover was a way to encourage the women and honor them as they are making their transformation, said Rayna Lett-Bell, PIC programs coordinator. She organized the event with salon manager Shakela Lewis and Anita Chambers, owner of Moods and Attitudes located at 14883 E. 14^th St. in San Leandro.

Rachelle Williams, a client with the JOBS program, said, “It made me feel good to see a group of women devote their time to give back to the community.”

With her red and auburn-colored hair brushing her shoulders, Williams felt confident for her job interview on Tuesday.

“My hair’s done, makeup is flawless…I can go in there with my head held high and show them I’m about business,” said Williams.

For Ramona Williams, the makeover was not just about relaxing but about motivation to achieve

Stylist Dani Bramlett puts finishing touches on her client Teresa Martinez

the goals she set for herself.

“It’s about boosting your self-esteem and giving you that extra push; because when you look in the mirror,” and you look bad, “you don’t want to go get a job, you don’t want to go to school,” Ramona said. “As a woman, we need to take care of ourselves.”

Stylists also shared hair and makeup tips with the clients, some of whom wore natural hairstyles. Women walked away with beauty products, fresh hairstyles and makeup and a newfound confidence.

“I want this to be an opportunity for me to just feel good about me, whether I get a compliment or not,” said Tunesitia Gentry.

Clients were grateful for the support of Yvette Smith, of PIC and lead case manager for the JOBS program, who built a rapport with the women and encouraged them along their journey.

For more information about the JOBS program, contact Yvette Smith at (510) 768-4404.

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