Team Beauty Night volunteer, Brandi Leifso brings additional opportunities for Beauty Night ladies. Brandi, a makeup artist, cofounded, Evelyn Iona Cosmetics. As the company continues to grow, Evelyn Iona was faced with the choice of hiring a fulfillment centre. Instead of hiring a centre, Evelyn Iona chose to implement a program to offer empower vulnerable women. “The fulfillment program helps put money in the pockets of at-risk women because cash can be power.” explains, Brandi. After discussion with Beauty Night Founder, Caroline MacGillivray – the decision to test the program with our Beauty Night ladies was made. “Last night we worked with 3 hard working women from the downtown East side. They helped us get ready for our upcoming Edmonton Christmas Show by stamping, labeling and packaging product whose sales will help fund more women’s programs in Canada. We helped them get cash into their pockets and be a part of positive change in their community,” explains, Evelyn Iona Cofounder and CBO, Brandi Leifso.
Teresa, Gia, Brandi and Montana
“Being able to implement this program is a HUGE milestone for me. Thank you for all of the monster support! Twenty two years ago I witnessed my mom’s courage as she protected me and my sisters by moving us out of a harmful situation and into a women’s shelter. I swore I would never end up in a situation like that as an adult, but two years ago I found myself staring at the ceiling from a shelter bunk again. I know I can genuinely and empatheticaly make an impact to the startling statistics of violence against women. I have an opportunity now to be the change I want to see. It is humbling and reminds me to be grateful, even for the struggles. So grateful for friends like Caroline, and organizations like Beauty Night Society. Thanks ladies for being such a big part of a big vision of change. I had so much fun,” explains Brandi.
“Our beauty night ladies were honoured and thrilled to participate in the program. They are excited to see Evelyn Iona’s vision grow to make these opportunities available for women living in shelters all around the world. It was empowering and opened up the conversation about shelters and how we can work together to provide more opportunities to empower vulnerable women,” says Caroline.
