Editor’s Note: This show was originally scheduled for April 26, but has been postponed to June 27.
By Ashley Streichert, Toledo Free Press Staff Writer
Mixing fashion and beauty with environmental awareness, the Paul Mitchell The School Toledo in Sylvania is gearing up for its first community outreach program.
Lauren O’Neill
The beauty school will host an Eco-Fun Fashion Show on June 27, displaying its students’ creative abilities using a plethora of recycled goods in an effort to inform guests about the importance of going green.
As for the school, the trendy spot sits on Monroe Street in Sylvania and houses an aesthetically appealing set of classrooms, beauty stations and merchandise for prospective stylists to hone their crafts.
It opened in September and offers students a 1,500-hour cosmetology program covering instruction for hair, skin and nails design. In addition, Paul Mitchell School offers services to clients in the community ranging from haircuts to manicures at a fraction of the cost offered at professional salons.
The eco-friendly fashion show directly reflects Paul Mitchell’s company initiative in going green, which is represented in its products and practices.
“Our CEO John Paul DeJoria believes that we need to pay rent for our place on Earth,” Ashlee Harris, the school’s admissions leader, explained.
Everything used in the exhibit is created from reusable goods. For example, a group of students is working on a dress created from recycled soda bottles.
“Preparation for the Eco-FUN Fashion Show has been a lot of fun, but also challenging,” said Corey Robinson, a future professional at Paul Mitchell. “I have enjoyed stretching my creative limits and discovering how I can marry my craft of hairdressing with a Go Green initiative behind it.”
In addition, to prevent waste the team will not use paper programs or tickets. All of the information for the show will be displayed on the school’s television monitors located around the building.
“Our goal is to have zero overhead,” Harris said. “We are not buying anything new for the show.”
Harris explained that a number of local businesses donated items for the show including plants, moss and plastic.
The school’s staff is also looking forward to teaching guests ways to incorporate the green initiative into their own lives, by providing tips and tricks to cut down on their carbon footprints.
Furthermore, Harris hopes the upcoming fashion show will inform the community about the school’s offerings and open the door for partnerships.
One way community businesses and individuals can get involved with the fashion show is through the vendors’ room. Interested vendors may rent a table and two chairs for $25, allowing locals to sell their products and promote their services. This opportunity is open to everyone.
If interested, contact the school at (419) 885-5191.
Meanwhile, Lauren O’Neill, director of business development and marketing for Findley Wise Wealth Management, will host the night’s activities.
As owner of fashion blog mypinmoneyfashion.com, O’Neill, a Toledo Free Press contributor, will use her style prowess to highlight the students’ unique designs. And as an added bonus, she is a Sylvania native and Bowling Green State University graduate.
The Eco-Fun Fashion Show takes place at 7:30 p.m. June 27 at Paul Mitchell The School Toledo, 5549 Monroe St., in Sylvania. Doors open at 7 p.m. Advance tickets are available for $10, with $15 tickets available at the door.
For your spot on the runway and more information about the night’s festivities, contact Ashlee Harris at (419) 885-5191 ext. 1003 or ashleeh@toledo.paulmitchell.edu.
