Tamara Friedman immigrated to the United States from Russia 30 years ago with her husband, 4-year-old twin daughters, and $200. Today, she is the proud owner of the hugely successful Tamara Spa in Farmington Hills, Mich. Now in her 24th year of business, Friedman says she and her staff--many of whom have been with her since the start--are always looking for ways to give back to the community that has given them so much.

"One day on the local news I saw a story about a Michigan support group called Michigan Military Moms. It's made up of mothers who have sons and daughters in the military," says Friedman. "I immediately started thinking about how we could help them escape from their worries and tensions, if just for a day."

Last year, around Mother's Day, she and 30 staff members began a tradition by hosting the women to a day of beauty. The staff volunteered its time on a Sunday to treat 25 military moms to facials, massages, pedicures, and manicures. Friedman's husband, Eugene, even prepared a homemade lunch. "The women were glowing, teary-eyed, and so appreciative. I can't begin to describe the heartwarming feelings we all shared," says Friedman. 

She followed with a second day of pampering around the holidays to brighten the season--this time treating 45 women--and plans to host more events this year. "I'd like to get the word out to spa owners throughout the country to encourage them to reach out to the military moms and wives in their own towns," she says.