Austin Nail Salon Brings Manis to Mothers of Children With Cancer

Last May, Austin, Texas, nail salon Lacquer provided services to women who are rarely able to take time for themselves: mothers of chronically ill children. The Mother’s Day event was organized by Beautifully Loved, a group that provides wellness, beauty, and fashion experiences to families of children with pediatric cancer and other chronic illnesses. “They work to help children battling cancer (and their families) feel valued and loved,” explains salon owner Carla Hatler. The salon had previously supported the organization’s annual children’s fashion show benefit event, so they were happy to be invited to provide Mother’s Day services.

The event took place at the center where the children receive their treatment. The women received hair and makeup services as well as nails, and they went home with gifts, too. “We brought mini organic cuticle oils to give to the moms to keep as a gift from us,” says Hatler. The event was a welcome respite from the stress the women experience. “The moms usually never take time for themselves because they are always by their child’s side,” Hatler says. “They were so happy and grateful to have a day of beauty. And it was a rewarding experience for the beauty volunteers as well.”