CREATESalon Space for Individuals of All Abilities
We are looking forward to creating the very first beauty service salon in Los Angeles that welcomes those of all abilities, creates a beauty service experience specific to various sensory needs, and provides an individualized program for those in the Neurodivergent community that are looking for extra guidance, assistance in job placement, and starting their careers.
What is the primary issue area that your application will impact?
BIPOC- and Women-Owned Businesses
In which areas of Los Angeles will you be directly working?
Central LA
West LA
South Bay
In what stage of innovation is this project, program, or initiative?
Pilot or new project, program, or initiative
What is your understanding of the issue that you are seeking to address?
As a Behavior Therapist and Social Skills teacher within the Neurodivergent community, I've seen first hand the lack of inclusive spaces for women and individuals with special needs, sensory processing disorders, Autism, physical disabilities, etc. With opening Blüm Lounge, we know that this will provide a safe space for those seeking adaptive and inclusive beauty services, which in turn, will boost self esteem and career preparedness for a lot of the members in the Neurodivergent community.
Describe the project, program, or initiative this grant will support to address the issue.
We are prepared to implement sensory friendly nail and facial spa services once we have our own space. Blüm Where You're Planted: A personalized job development program designed to support Neurodivergent individuals in finding their passions, prepare and train for their respective working fields, and ultimately be placed into fulfilling careers of their choice, within the beauty industry and beyond. Our goal is that this program enhances the importance of inclusion, helps cultivate continued relationships, and promotes a sense of community for our participants.
Describe how Los Angeles County will be different if your work is successful.
With our salon being open to the public, it would be the ultimate display of inclusion. We would welcome all individuals of every physical and mental ability, gender and sexual orientation, and age. Los Angeles' opening an inclusive and sensory friendly salon space would start a wave of inclusivity in the beauty industry throughout the United States, and inclusivity in every vocational setting. It would cultivate a deeper sense of community and respect between citizens.
What evidence do you have that this project, program, or initiative is or will be successful, and how will you define and measure success?
To measure success, we plan to hold surveys, continue to connect with people through social media, and keep record of the growing number of clients we have come into our salon space. We have received so much outreach and interest already through social media, our website, and through email.
Approximately how many people will be impacted by this project, program, or initiative?
Direct Impact: 100
Indirect Impact: 5,000