Hair salons have been an important part of Beyonce Knowles’ career – and not just because the Grammy-winning singer has notoriously lustrous locks. She first started publicly singing in her mom’s salon, and eavesdropping on patrons offered her inspiration for a number of songs.
"People don’t realize how important it is for women to socialize and grow together and share stories and a hair salon was the place for me that was like therapy," the singer told ABC News.
When Knowles played the role of Edda James – a former heroin addict – she realized this kind of bonding environment had never been accessible to the recovering women at Phoenix House where she researched the role. That’s when she and her mother decided to open a salon training center for people recovering from addiction.
Knowles donated her entire salary from the film Cadillac Records to Phoenix House, and part of these funds have been used to develop the Phoenix House Cosmetology Center in Brooklyn. The center, which officially opened March 5, offers training for men and women recovering from addiction, teaching them skills to support themselves and offering a collaborative environment for them during their recovery.
Students at the center recently expressed their appreciation for the training they are receiving and for the women who made it possible. One woman said being able to work at a salon has kept her focused on staying clean. "I’m doing something that not only makes me feel good, but at the end of my day but [I'm also] making other people feel good," she told the source.
Phoenix Center officials are also grateful for the cosmetology center. Howard Meitiner, Phoenix House president and CEO, told Mental Health Behavioral Central the Knowles’ "generosity and compassion toward the men and women we serve is extraordinary. With this tremendous gift, they have given our clients a route to achieve successful, rewarding lives in recovery."
The Phoenix House has been working to protect and support individuals, families and communities affected by substance abuse since 1967. It is the nation’s leading provider of alcohol and drug abuse intervention, operating more than 150 programs in 10 states.
Beyonce is the best singer in the world. Amazing vocals. Beyonce has a great eye for fashion and I love her clothes. Girl has some serious style and she behaves perfectly in public too. How can anyone hate Beyonce I just dun understand the negative comments I read sometimes. Beyonce is a sweet girl and I hope her life ends up the way she wants to..