HOUSTON (Press Release) — So Unique Hair partnered with several local hairstylists, makeup artists, photographers, and a videographer to provide the ultimate glam experience for five women with “unique” stories. During their time on set the ladies, who had never met before, they bonded over their stories of triumph as they became models for the day.
Each model received complimentary hair extensions by So Unique Hair, and a makeover by an exclusive glam squad. The ladies shared their stories on camera to inspire other women to embrace their “unique” situations. The owner of So Unique Hair, Ashley Anderson, plans to continue to work with the models on future initiatives.
So Unique Hair thanks all of the glam shoot sponsors: • Tema Cosmetics • Kanvas By Kris • The Ash SLAY Suite • Ruth & Naomi Mentoring/Leadership • CJMK Visuals
‘God has granted me peace and serenity’: Meet Stephanie Carey
Story: I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) during my junior year in college. I was driving home from school and noticed my vision had become blurry in one eye and had gone almost completely out in the other. After going to the doctor and receiving multiple tests, MRIs, and a lumbar puncture, the doctor informed me that I had Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The damage of MS can slow and completely block communication between your body and the brain, causing many symptoms such as cognitive dysfunction, vision problems, fatigue, muscle spasms, problems learning, thinking, or planning, and depression and anxiety. Eight years have passed, and though the battles have been many, God still reigns supreme. Through painful and scary doctor’s appointments, accessorizing which walking cane goes with my outfit when needed, lost jobs, friends, and opportunities, God has propelled me forward and positioned me in purpose. I have been blessed with the opportunity to work with one of the top public relations firms in the state of Texas. I am surrounded by family and friends who love and support me, and though it is not always easy, God has granted me peace and serenity through this journey.
‘Vitiligo didn’t stop me’: Meet Diane Tribitt
Story: At the age of 9 years old, I was diagnosed with vitiligo, an autoimmune disease that causes a loss of pigment resulting in white patches on the skin. As I got older, many of the things I hoped to be and do seemed out of my reach because I didn’t meet what society deemed as “perfect.” Fast-forward, I have been a featured model for “The Skin I’m In” Project with celebrity photographer Ferrell Phelps and “The Positive Exposure” Project Exhibit for renowned photographer Rick Guidotti. I am also the founder of the Houston Vitiligo Awareness Movement (HVAM), a support group/community for individuals living with vitiligo. Our mission is to educate our community about vitiligo. In 2019 several amazing things happened, my story was featured on the OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network) in an episode of “The Book of John Gray,” HVAM hosted the World Vitiligo Day Conference where esteemed doctors and individuals with vitiligo from around the world gathered in Houston, and I released my first book, “My Journey To Just Be Me. Moments of Reflection With The ONE I Love.” The fact is, vitiligo didn’t stop me… it empowered me!
‘Creative expression has been a tool to help me combat depression’: Meet Courtney Elaine
Story: My name is Courtney Elaine. I was assaulted as a teenager. I suffered a spinal cord injury due to the assault which left me partially paralyzed making me a wheelchair user. Post-injury I began to suffer from depression and PTSD. I found that what kept me from sinking and ultimately kept me alive besides my faith was the ability and desire to create. Creative expression has been a tool to help me combat depression and manage traumatic stress. Over the years I’ve used photography, graphic design, film, and entrepreneurship as ways to express myself and ultimately share my personal testimony.
‘I am a perfect imperfection’: Meet Jordan Cummings
Story: Looking back on my life through my self-journey, I am becoming the woman that I always wanted to be. Growing up, I struggled with my confidence. It took me a long time to actually learn how to gain confidence. In grade school, I grew up as the “heavy-set girl.” This truly shaped me mentally and emotionally by what people thought of me. I knew the definition of self-love but never knew its meaning. Battling with depression for many years made it really hard for me to care for myself. Through my college years, I tried to be perfect my whole life: perfect student, perfect friend, and perfect daughter until I had to finally learn how to embrace my flaws and know that I deserve happiness and that I am worthy. I am a perfect imperfection!
(Jordan is also the daughter of Michelle Cummings, the mother that was recently killed in DC while dropping her son off at The Navy.)
The Hope Dealer: Meet Brittany King
Story: Brittany King is a passionate, self-proclaimed hope dealer who has created a bold reputation for herself as a speaker and consultant due not only to her triumphant life journey but her commitment to helping others use their voice to impact the world for good. Whether she is speaking from the stage or doing corporate consulting, Brittany’s superpower lies in her ability to deliver talks that inspire action and instill hope. Brittany has shared the stage as a keynote speaker with the likes of Miss Universe, Harvard and Yale Lecturers, Star Jones, Destiny’s Child’s Latavia Roberson, and BET’s Miss Mykie. Brittany aims to spread the message that obstacles are meant to be overcome.
(Glam photo not present as she fell ill before the photoshoot.)
Keep up with So Unique Hair on Instagram @souniquehair.
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