CREATEProfessional Glam for Chemo Patients
R3M's project is founded on the dream of a 10 year old girl that lost her mom to cancer. Her mom decided against chemo because she didn't want to lose her hair. The goal of R3M is restore the fight in those with the same resistance and gift them hope by providing beautiful, custom-made wigs.
What is the primary issue area that your application will impact?
Income inequality
In which areas of Los Angeles will you be directly working?
Central LA East LA South LA San Gabriel Valley West LA San Fernando Valley Gateway Cities South Bay Long Beach
In what stage of innovation is this project, program, or initiative?
Research (initial work to identify and understand the problem)
What is your understanding of the issue that you are seeking to address?
Cancer impacts millions across the U.S. According to the American Cancer Society, over 1.9
million people are diagnosed annually. Chemotherapy-induced alopecia affects approximately
65% of patients, causing psychological stress and social withdrawal. Quality wigs can cost
between $300 and $3,000—an expense many cannot afford.
Simultaneously, Los Angeles County is home to over 45,000 disconnected youth (ages 16–24
not in school or working). Many come from underserved communities with limited access to
skill-building opportunities or mentorship.
R3M LLC bridges these critical needs—providing confidence-restoring wigs to those battling
illness and offering training, jobs, and a career pathway to vulnerable youth.
Describe the project, program, or initiative this grant will support to address the issue.
Mission Pillars:
1. Dignity for Patients: Deliver 100% natural-looking, affordable wigs to cancer patients.
2. Youth Empowerment: Train at-risk youth in wig-making, cosmetology, business management, and life skills.
3. Sustainability: Build a self-supporting business through subsidized and retail wig sales.
Year-by-Year Goals
Year 1:
Secure training and production facility.
Launch inaugural 20-student cohort.
Produce and distribute 250 wigs.
Year 2:
Expand training to 30 additional youth
Distribute 400 wigs.
Launch community partnerships with hospitals, oncology centers, and local
nonprofits.
Year 3:
Establish internship and mentorship programs.
Launch e-commerce platform.
Offer paid apprenticeships for 10 top trainees.
Year 4:
Scale operations regionally.
Introduce wig styling certification and advanced hair design modules.
Reach 1,000 wigs distributed.
Year 5:
Achieve full sustainability via online store and donor support.
Train 100+ youth cumulatively.
Launch licensing package for program replication in other cities.
Training Curriculum:
Wig Making: Materials, lace and mesh foundation, ventilation, knotting, styling, color
matching.
Cosmetology Skills: Hair care, scalp hygiene, fitting, customer service.
Business & Entrepreneurship: Branding, online sales, inventory, taxes.
Soft Skills & Life Coaching: Resume building, interview prep, conflict resolution, financial
literacy.
Describe how Los Angeles County will be different if your work is successful.
Statement of Need
Cancer impacts millions across the U.S. According to the American Cancer Society, over 1.9
million people are diagnosed annually. Chemotherapy-induced alopecia affects approximately
65% of patients, causing psychological stress and social withdrawal. Quality wigs can cost
between $300 and $3,000—an expense many cannot afford.
Simultaneously, Los Angeles County is home to over 45,000 disconnected youth (ages 16–24
not in school or working). Many come from underserved communities with limited access to
skill-building opportunities or mentorship.
R3M LLC bridges these critical needs—providing confidence-restoring wigs to those battling
illness and offering training, jobs, and a career pathway to vulnerable youth.
Approximately how many people will be impacted by this project, program, or initiative?
Direct Impact: 20
Indirect Impact: 200