Beauty School Students Make Life Beautiful for Special Needs Students' Prom

Friday, May 19th, Pulse Beauty Academy students turned the Chester County Intermediate Unit's Child and Career Development Center into a mini hair salon, taking turns doing the hair and makeup of the special needs students in preparation of their annual prom.

Celebrating its ninth year spearheading this event, Pulse co-owner, Heather Sahagian, had this to say, "My son attended the CCDC, and during his time here I learned that a lot of the students were foster students and didn't have access to basic grooming tools like shampoo, brushes, or curling irons. After a teacher approached me about bringing some students to do the hair and makeup for some of the CCDC students nine years ago, it has been an event that we never miss. Not only is it life changing for the student receiving the services but to the Pulse student performing the service, as well. When you see a teenager who has never worn makeup, who has never had her hair done professionally, see her reflection in the mirror and choke back tears when she's told she is beautiful, it is an experience you will never forget."

Pulse student, Caitlin, had this to say about her experience, "Being a part of this industry, you have the opportunity to leave beauty wherever you go and I had the opportunity to make these ladies feel fabulous for their prom tonight. There is nothing more rewarding than to be able to give back to the community doing what I love." Abby, another Pulse student, said, "It's days like these that remind me of what an impact you can have on someone's life. It really makes you appreciate what you have after seeing these girls just light up after we were done doing their hair and makeup. It's the little things in life."

Pulse's commitment to its community is not something new. In fact, Pulse has been giving back since its first year in business, its first non-profit (one Pulse continues to work with today) a Frazer, Pennsylvania, based organization called Wings for Success. Pulse continued serving its community by donating its time to organizations like Operation Gratitude, Friendship Circle, St. Joseph's, Kelsey's Foundation, and more, and was recognized as a Modern Salon Excellence in Education Honoree in Community Involvement and Beauty Changes Lives. Pulse Beauty Academy is located in Downingtown, Pennsylvania.