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Pampered with purpose: Salons allow battered women to indulge

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Photo by Cat Szalkowski-Patneau

Rachel Teubert cuts and styles the hair of a woman from the YWCA Rock County Alternatives to Violence program at Simple Scissors salon downtown. Teubert is the brainchild of the Ruby Violet salon program in which victims of domestic violence receive complimentary salon services.

JANESVILLE — Maria was so relaxed she almost fell asleep as Rachel Teubert shampooed and rinsed her hair before massaging her scalp.

"I feel good. I feel something so unfamiliar it's hard to explain," Maria, 38, said through translator Crusita Barrios.

Maria, whose last name isn't being published because she is a victim of domestic violence, said she had never been to a salon before.

Maria was a resident at the YWCA's shelter for battered women and now lives at the Y's Transitional Living Program. She was getting a free shampoo, cut and style Monday from Teubert, creator of the Ruby Violet project that launched here in July.

Teubert's idea is for Ruby Violet to be a recreational vehicle converted into traveling salon and spa. It will travel to battered women shelters in Wisconsin, providing services for the victims of domestic violence.

The idea grew from Teubert's participation in the self-expression and leadership class in Chicago.

Teubert, manager of Simple Scissors Salon and Spa, started Ruby Violet with the help of Jeni Sauser of Studio 107 and Jane McCauley of the local YWCA. Rachel Walker of J.P. Cullen & Sons is coordinating the project, and Chad Barnes is volunteering to revamp the RV when enough money is raised to buy one.

Until the salon on wheels is ready, participating salons will provide services—from haircuts to full day spas—at their places of business.

Teubert said the name "Ruby Violet" matches the colors of bruises seen on battered women, and the acronym "RV" matches the planned salon vehicle.

"Women who take the steps to leave unhealthy relationships are very courageous, and it's their courage that makes me so passionate about making a difference," Teubert said.

In many cases, they are deprived of having the privilege of having these services done. So if we, as salon professionals, can contribute to these women feeling better about themselves and good about the way they look, that's accomplishing the goal of this contribution I feel so privileged to offer," she said.

Allison Hokinson, director of community relations at the YWCA, said domestic abuse victims often arrive at the YWCA shelter with virtually nothing.

"Their self-esteem is at an all-time low, and they've never been treated with such dignity and respect that you get during a salon appointment. The project and its tag line ‘pampering with a purpose' provides an opportunity for women to feel pampered again and to connect with another woman," she said.

"They're being touched in a positive way," Teubert said.

"Rather than a harmful way," Hokinson added.

While collecting donations, organizers are building awareness through a series of informational meetings. Fundraisers are being planned to buy an RV that will be equipped with three salon stations, a pedicure table, a massage chair and manicure table. They hope to raise $15,000.

Participating Ruby Violet salons will get training from the YWCA through the national Cut It Out program, which is intended to build awareness of domestic abuse, educate salon professionals to recognize warning signs and safely refer clients for domestic violence help.

"We're giving them the tools on how to deal with the client if he or she is being abused," Hokinson said.