When the cat's away...

Every boss in America holds their breath a little when they go on vacation and have to leave their business in the hands of their staff...everybody but Lisa Koebbe Bevan, owner of Believe, that is.

She gets to head on down the highway knowing her business is safe, sound and running like clockwork, thanks to Believe's Manager, Shannon Marriott.

“Shannon is my right-hand woman,says Lisa. "She's smart, intuitive, hard-working and the clients love her, almost as much as I do.”

There is a lot to love. Not only does Shannon lend a hand on the styling side (blow-drying, helping with the fun extensions-some with feathers—Believe uses as fundraisers for charity, doing color for select clients) but is a whiz at the administrative side of the business.

“I set appointments, order supplies, send out email blasts, run payroll and make sure things run on schedule,Shannon says. "Sometimes that does mean lighting a little fire under Lisa's rear end, I admit.”

In return, Shannon is learning a lot. She gets to observe, up-close and personal, the workings of her boss, Lisa, who is a board-certified colorist (one of only 2,500 in the country). Shannon, who studied Cosmetology in high school is ever enthusiastic about adding new techniques and tips to her stylist toolbox. But Shannon is equally grateful to interact with (and learn from) all of Believe's great clients and staff.

“I majored in Communication and minored in Business at the University of Albany and I get to use my education every day in my position here at Believe, says Shannon. "I am learning about how people work together, how best to communicate with the varied personalities of the staff and, most importantly, how to meet the needs of our clients and keep them happy.”

Shannon, who has been with Lisa for three years (she answered an ad in the Pennysaver and Lisa is still thanking her lucky stars) will be manning the ship on July 19^th and 20^th while Lisa is away for a short vacation.

“I'll be doing color and blow-dry sessions, answering the phones, scheduling appointments and will try to find time to even get a little cleaning done,says Shannon. "I like being busy and this summer at Believe is keeping us all hopping...and that's a good thing.”

Call Shannon now to schedule your Believe appointment before leaving for your own vacation.

Help Believe Give Back

When I named my salon, it wasn't by accident. In order to get started in my business, I not only had to believe in myself, but lots of other good folks had to believe in me to--and so they have. The community has warmly welcomed and supported me and my staff. In return, we believe we should give back to our community. One of the ways we do this is by supporting charities and lending our hands in any way we can. In this lull, before the lazy days of summer are upon us, we'd like to draw your attention to two of our favorite causes and ask your help:

About Autism

Autism is a developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person's ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause for autism, but increased awareness and funding can help families today.

The prevalence of autism had risen to 1 in every 110 births in the United States and almost 1 in 70 boys. 1.5 million Americans are living with the effects of autism spectrum disorder. Currently, the Autism Society estimates that the lifetime cost of caring for a child with autism ranges from $3.5 million to $5 million, and that the United States is facing almost $90 billion annually in costs for autism.

Know the Signs: Early Identification Can Change Lives

Autism is treatable. Children do not "outgrow" autism, but studies show that early diagnosis and intervention lead to significantly improved outcomes.

Here are some signs to look for in the children in your life:

Lack of or delay in spoken language

Repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms (e.g., hand-flapping, twirling

objects)

Little or no eye contact

Lack of interest in peer relationships

Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play

Persistent fixation on parts of objects

You can make a difference:

Contact your representatives on the state and federal level and ask them to "Vote 4 Autism." For more information about this legislation and to take action to support it, visit www.vote4autism.org. Click here for more information: http://www.autism-society.org

We at Believe are giving away turquoise hair extensions throughout the month of April for every $10 donated to fight Autism. Check with us for details.

Locks of Love

Also, on August 20, Believe is hosting a Lock For Love hair-cutting event. All layers of hair to be donated must be 10 inches or more in length so get growing (hair really does grow faster in warmer weather) and register with us to get shorn for this worthy charity. Everybody is welcome, but you do need to make an appointment to get your hair cut for this worthy organization.

Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada (under age 21) suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. They meet a unique need for children by using donated hair to create the highest quality hair prosthetics. 

Most of the children helped by Locks of Love have lost their hair due to a medical condition called alopecia areata, which has no known cause or cure. The prostheses they provide help to restore their self-esteem and their confidence, enabling them to face the world and their peers. The hairpieces form a vacuum on the child's head so no glue or tape is required and they can't be pulled off by classmates. Kids can shower, play sports, even swim knowing their hairpiece won't come off. These prostheses and are given free of charge (or on a sliding scale, based on financial need.) Each one requires 6-10 donated ponytails and there are special requirements for donating that make it best if the hair is cut by a professional stylist (like us at Believe!)

A Solution for Short Term Hair Loss

Where kids experience short term hair loss, usually due to chemotherapy treatments, they require a more immediate answer to their needs. These recipients receive a synthetic hairpiece in lieu of a prosthesis. These synthetic hairpieces are made especially for children and can be provided quickly and worn during re-growth. Learn more at Locks of Love by visiting http://www.locksoflove.org/

Two great causes and two ways for us at Believe to give back to the community which has given us so much. Together we believe we can make a difference and with your help, it's a certainty.

Thanks for your support,

Lisa Koebbe Bevan

Owner, Believe Beauty Lounge