3 mins
Heartfelt Care
LOOKS Salon Goregaon, Mumbai, organised a grooming activity for children with autism spectrum disorder from Goenka and Associates Educational Trust (GAET) Counselling Centre.
Samir Srivastava, CEO, LOOKS Salon, is the man behind this heartwarming initiative by LOOKS Salon Goregaon, Mumbai. The salon hosted a special event dedicated to providing free haircuts for children with autism spectrum disorder from Goenka and Associates Educational Trust (GAET) Counselling Centre. This initiative aimed to offer comfort, joy and a sense of normalcy to these special children and their families.
The inspiration behind this initiative stemmed from a desire to address the unique challenges faced by children with special needs and their families. Recognising that even routine activities, like getting a haircut, can be daunting for these children, Srivastava and his team sought to create a safe, welcoming and supportive environment where the children could feel comfortable and cared for.
One of the most memorable moments of the day was witnessing the children’s smiles and excitement after their haircuts. Their parents expressed their gratitude for the convenience and care provided by LOOKS Salon, reinforcing the importance of this initiative. Parents appreciated the thoughtful approach and the positive impact on their children’s confidence and well-being.
PREPARING FOR THE INITIATIVE
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, the team at LOOKS Salon underwent specific training on interacting with children with special needs. This training included techniques for creating a calm atmosphere, such as using soothing tones, introducing the tools beforehand, avoiding sharp or loud sounds and providing frequent breaks. The close proximity of the school to the salon facilitated this training and preparation process.
One significant challenge was gaining their trust. To overcome this, LOOKS Salon organised introductory sessions where parents could meet the team and familiarise themselves with the setup.
The initiative helped raise awareness about the needs of children with special requirements and highlighted the importance of inclusive services within the community. LOOKS Salon plans to expand this initiative by partnering with GAET and other special education centres in areas where their salons are located, furthering their commitment to community service and inclusivity.
IMPACT OF COMMUNITY INITIATIVE
“This initiative, led by Samir Srivastava, CEO, LOOKS Salon has brought immeasurable joy and confidence to children with autism spectrum disorder from the GAET Counselling Centre. From the very beginning, the team at LOOKS Salon approached this initiative with incredible sensitivity and dedication. Their efforts to understand and cater to the unique needs of our children have been nothing short of extraordinary. The salon’s welcoming environment and the special training the staff underwent played a crucial role in making this initiative a success,” said Meera Kothari, CEO and Clinical Psychologist, GAET Counselling Centre. Speaking about how the initiative provided a much-needed sense of normalcy for the children, she added, “Routine activities like haircuts can be a significant challenge for children with special needs. The patience and care shown by the LOOKS Salon team have made a world of difference. The children feel comfortable and secure, which is essential for their well-being.” “The joy on the children’s faces after their haircuts was truly heartwarming. It’s not just about the haircut itself but the entire experience. The children left the salon not only looking good but also feeling a boost in their confidence. This newfound confidence extends beyond the salon and positively impacts their daily lives.”
PARENTAL APPRECIATION
Parents, too, have expressed deep appreciation for the initiative. “The feedback from parents has been overwhelmingly positive. They are grateful for the convenience and the compassionate approach of the salon staff. For many, it’s a relief to have a trusted place where their children can get haircuts without any stress,” Kothari said.
She is hopeful about the future of this initiative. “We are excited about the potential expansion of this program. Collaborating with Looks Salon and possibly other centres, we aim to extend these services to more children in need. It’s a beautiful example of how community partnerships can make a real difference.”
-Priyanka Parshurami
This article appears in the Aug-Sept 2024 Issue of Professional Beauty/ Hairdressers Journal India
If you would like to view other issues of Professional Beauty/ Hairdressers Journal India, you can see the full archive
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This article appears in the Aug-Sept 2024 Issue of Professional Beauty/ Hairdressers Journal India