It seems like the wonders of nail polish speak volumes in any language. Shannon Byrd, a nail tech at Modern Beauty Shop in Albemarle, N.C., discovered this last month when she accompanied a church group on a trip to a Peruvian orphanage, the New Life Children’s Home. “Our main objective in going was to help move a Christian School to its new location, to help out at the orphanage, to take the children gifts and supplies, and to hand out Spanish Bibles,” says Byrd. “I told all of my clients about what I had planned and they were all so supportive. A lot of them even gave me donations to help fund the trip and items to take to the orphanage. With the money I received, I was able to purchase extra nail polish to give to the girls, along with toboggan hats, bouncy balls, hair bows, and candy for all the children.

“We were all challenged to go outside of our comfort zone and connect with the Peruvians.” Knowing just a few words of Spanish proved to be a barrier at first, but then Byrd broke out the polish. “By taking the time to polish the girls’ nails and make them feel special, we found a language understood by all. Fashion and beauty are a language all their own as is art, so I expressed my art form with nail polish! It proved to be a very rewarding trip,” she says.

Byrd looks forward to going back sometime next year and teaching some of the women how to do manicures. “I hope my story inspires others to step outside the confines of a manicure table and go out to help others,” she says.

—Judy

Beauty for Good spotlights beauty products, services, and events that benefit a good cause. To be considered for this column, leave a comment below or e-mail details to features editor Judy at Judy.Lessin[at]bobit.com.