Nola Sizemore
Staff Writer
Voices of domestic violence victims were recently heard as they were treated to a day of beauty by local businesses and individuals of Harlan County. Hosting this event for the third year, Harlan County Domestic Violence Victim Advocate Sheryl Caudel said local business woman Carla Hartsell, owner of Ally Kats Hair Shack at Browning Acres, closes her shop and invites domestic violence victims to have a “beautiful day.”
“Today, I have eight ladies with me, who are here to receive special treatment,” said Caudel. “They are all victims of domestic violence. This is their day to be just girls, get their hair and make-up done and feel good about themselves.”
The ladies were treated to haircuts, styling, perms, highlighting, waxing, make-up and lots of gifts donated by local businesses.
Michelle Naylor, of Lincoln County, said this is a chance to have a good day and not think about all the unpleasant things that have happened to her.
“I’m so delighted to be a part of this year’s event,” said Naylor. “You just don’t realize how important this is to one of us — to be pampered and treated with so much kindness. It means the world and helps our self-esteem so much.”
Assisting in the event along with Hartsell were hair stylist Judy Williams, Harlan County Domestic Violence Council Co-Chair Marlene Myers, Tri-City Woman’s Club member Belinda Riley, Beauty Control Consultant Kathy White and Michelle Boggs.
Riley said the signature project of the national woman’s club is domestic violence awareness and prevention.
“We want to encourage and uplift the women who are in these type of situations in any way we can,” said Riley. “We bring gifts such as skin and hair care products, devotion books, notebooks, pens, hand creams and things such as that.”
White said this is her second year donating her time and products to do make-up for the ladies.
“It’s really rewarding to me to be able to offer my services to these ladies,” said White.
Others participating in this event through donations were JAC’s Coffee Shop, Rax, Ken and Paul’s Family Steak House, Kentucky Fried Chicken, McDonalds, Dollar General Store, Macks Grocery, Donnell’s Pharmacy, Economy Beauty Supply, of Johnson City, Tenn., Loyall United Methodist Church and Sunny Acres First Church of God’s ladies ministry, along with several anonymous donations.
“This is just one small way people can help domestic violence victims,” said Hartsell. “I look forward to this each year because we all have so much fun doing this and it’s a way of giving back to our community.”
Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510 or at nsizemore@heartlandpublications.com










