Our mission is to provide scholarships for local Philadelphians in need to gain vocational training to help them get the skills and training needed to seek higher earning employment and better opportunities.
“The Naked Peach ® has provided $42,000 to Philadelphians in need since we opened our first salon in Philadelphia”
Values: diversity, self care, giving back, leadership for women
The Founder’s story and why she is compelled to help local Philadelphians in need…..
When I was sixteen I became a teenage mom. I became what society would ‘label’ me as another statistic. I remember the day my son Antwon was born; it was like life came and punched me in the face. My youth as I knew it was officially over. I will never forget when my son was born, he looked up at me with these big beautiful green eyes, long lashes and really big lips. I instantly fell deeply in love; and knew I had to fight hard and make life happen for us. I soon found myself alone with no support going into my senior year of high school living in a homeless shelter. I was on bended knee. All I had was my son and God; and all I knew with all my heart was that we had to stay together no matter what. I was willing to endure anything; but being separated from my son was not on that list. By the grace of God, I was able to graduate high school on time with my class. I enrolled in college but ended up dropping out after a year.
Over the years I had to struggle with need and not having an advanced education. As a result, I developed the skill of being a self taught make-up artist to support myself and my family. I would work unlicensed anywhere I could find work: clubs, salons, my house, other people’s houses, and hotels. I was eeking out an existence. However, because of my desperate desire to provide for my family. I would do people’s make-up like my life was on the line, possessed, focused, passionate, giving my all. I would truly transform these women into something special. Eventually, I developed a reputation and a following. I would receive referral after referral and soon became known as one of the best make-up artist’s in the area. I even had a chance to work with celebrities!
During these trying years I learned through trial and error some very important life skills. If you want to succeed in anything work hard, and work harder than all your competitors. Have the discipline to continue to learn and hone your craft/skill/trade. Most importantly is that your past does not dictate your future and you can defy the odds! I eventually was able to go back to college on-line to earn my business degree. I was also able to attend technical schools as well and receive my esthetics, massage, and personal training license. The more education and skills I honed the better my life and network became. I then went on to open my own salon The Naked Peach ® Waxing Boutique and have had great success bringing excellence to a craft that I am very passionate about. I am truly grateful and feel blessed for the many people who have helped me along my life’s journey. That is why I feel so strongly about giving back in a way that will directly change the trajectory of a local Philadelphian’s life.
