When a Haircut Becomes a Life Changing Experience
Ronit's Corner: About three years ago a young man accompanied by his Dad came to me for a haircut. He was visiting for a week’s vacation, and wanted someone to give him a razor cut like the ones he was getting at Bumble and Bumble in NYC. As I cut his hair, the three of us started to have a conversation. At first, it was a typical “get to know you” chat, but it quickly became more. We all sensed that there was a kindred spirit among us and I began to learn about a special organization from Dick (the Dad) and Micah (his son). Dick was on the board and Micah had produced a documentary about one of the projects. I was intrigued, but the haircut was over and we said our thank yous and goodbyes.
Shortly thereafter, Dick made an appointment for a haircut. When he came in, we chatted about Micah and the documentary, but also about what drew him back to Maxime. He told me that it was my direct, honest approach. We both sensed there was more. We chatted about being “citizens of the world,” and the need for doing good and sharing with others who find themselves in dire circumstances through no fault of their own. Dick told me about a friend of his, Tim Bilodeau, who founded Medicines for Humanity, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving the lives of children in parts of the world where there is a lack of basic medicines and healthcare. Tim’s mission is fueled by his outrage at the injustice of children dying just because they happened to born in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Dick’s haircuts became a shared “project,” and we would gently tease each other about how I was helping him look good. But the visits always turned into meaningful conversations about Tim and the children. I knew that when I opened the new salon, we would dedicate ourselves to conscious-raising issues and address the need for all of us to give back and make positive things happen. I told Dick that my vision for the new shop went beyond it being just a hair salon. I want it to become an “intellectual salon” as well - - a place where people exchange ideas and meaningful conversation. That’s one of the reasons for the open space and the “community table” that clients and stylists gather around during appointments.
Dick introduced me to Tim one morning at a pre-arranged breakfast. He’s also a very direct person. He told me about one of his first trips to Ecuador, a place where families exist on less than one dollar a day, and how he came across a woman crying and waiting to see the local priest for forgiveness. Tim later found out that the woman had five children. One had become ill and she had to decide whether to use what meager funds she had to buy food for all the children or buy medicine for the one sick child. Hoping that the child’s fever would soon pass, she bought food to feed her family. Unfortunately, the child died and she was begging for forgiveness for making the wrong decision. As Tim pointed out, no parent should ever have to make that kind of decision.
Hearing Tim’s story convinced me that it was time to get involved. I invited him to the shop to meet the staff. The impact on them was immediate. As a group, we were all moved to action and we voted to sponsor Medicines for Humanity. We decided as a team to give something beautiful back to our world.
Maxime Salon is proud to be a sponsor of Medicines for Humanity. Each time you visit, we will donate fifty cents per hair service to this important cause. It is our way of connecting us all and acknowledging the injustice of seven million of the world’s children who die each year unnecessarily.
To learn more about Medicines for Humanity, please visit www.medicinesforhumanity.org
Another great restaurant on the South Shore
Hola in Marshfield: For those who like to go out later then 7:30pm, the fun atmosphere at this small town restaurant works just right. Located at 10 Library Plaza in Marshfield, it is a great place to have tapas, Sangria and delicious Spanish wine. Last week Bill, Gabi and I went to Hola for a quick bite. Immediately we felt as if we were in a different country, this little place was so inviting and warm.  We sat at the communal table and shared great conversation with new people around us. Julie, the hostess with the greatest smile, recommended many kind of flat breads and warm tapas. I loved the fried beans and stuffed oysters. We met a couple from Connecticut who recommended the swordfish stuffed, rolled & grilled w/capers & artichokes, hot smoked salmon empanadas & corn black beans. Maryanne, owner of Hola and prior owner of Saporitos, decided to open this fun, young and very tasty restaurant, because she felt the South Shore needed a place where great company, great conversation and a great menu can happen all in one place. And, let’s be honest, what’s better than flat bread and tapas.
Nina’s favorite Lemon Curd
One of my very good friend and clients, Nina Leek, is always treating Maxime Salon to Lemon Curd. She says it goes with anything – a brunch menu, a great dessert, on top of ice-cream or fruit – or just to lick out of the jar. Well, Nina I can’t let a year go without your special Lemon Curd. Here’s the recipe:
- 8oz unsalted butter
- 1lb Sugar
- 6 extra large eggs
- 1 egg yolk
- Juice of 5 lemons
- Zest of 3 lemons
“I choose to use organic butter and eggs “ says Nina. Melt butter gently in heavy pan and add lemon juice, zest and sugar. Stir until just dissolved then cool to finger-heat. Add whisked eggs and yolk. Heat gently until thickened and bubbles form at the edge of the pot. Scoop into cooled jars and keep in refrig for 2 weeks.
 b.yoffi: Hot New Items
Spring Collection has arrived with fabulous new colors and new hot items. Three primers to wear as invisible foundation or as a primer for your foundation. The benefits are a flawless base with treatment for either dry or oily skin. Ask about these and other amazing products by b.yoffi.
Maxime Events – Save the Date
A new addition to our e-magazine. Every month, we will post salon events and our new free “Educational Series”. These are fun in-salon events at Maxime, complete with guest appearances, great fun & valuable information.
April 7th -- End-of-season South Shore shopping spectacular. Join us as we host 3 great boutiques (will let you know) for a fabulous end of season winter clearance 50-75% sale. Come join us for amazing deals and some delicious bites from 53 South. No reservations necessary. Stop by!
The Red Carpet influence
 Yes, I love watching the award shows every year, especially the Oscars – it’s the beauty industry’s Super Bowl. Says Julie Dumas (one of our great salon guests) “we have our right to check it all out – the dresses, hair, make up, who’s pregnant, who looks good or bad, who has limited fashion sense, and what the Fashion Police will say. The verdict: great hair this year and so wearable. Great fashion with lots of red on the red carpet. Anne Hathaway was super glam. Her long hair was pulled back very loose and natural, but elegant. With hair, we saw a little wave, texture, not super smooth, pony tails, simple buns, which look effortless, but are so glamorous. Very vivid colors on the carpet – teal green, white, turquoise, pink, fuchsia. Lots of accessories – statement clutches, belts, sparkling jewels and great, red lips. Jennifer Hudson in that shiny, white dress looked like a Greek goddess. Jennifer Gardner looked incredible. Deep green so suited Amy Adams. Nothing looks bad on Hilary Swank – amazing Versace dress. Cate Blanchett is the epitome of elegance and looked beautiful in her very pregnant state. Lets talk about the men. Hot, hot George Clooney – he was classic Hollywood on Oscar night a la Clark Gable and what fabulous hair. Patrick Dempsey – love his wavy hair. Then, there’s the simple, yet sexy Casey Affleck and hot & steamy Javier Bardem – I will take him any day. It was fun watching the stars, but I can’t wait to see, The Other Boleyn Girl, coming out this Friday.
‘Til next month,
Ronit
Hair Design & Make-up with b.yoffi minerals by:
Maxime Artistic Team - www.maximesalon.com
Photos by Lorraine Kourafas - www.kourafasphotography.com |
