Beauty Nights

A few weeks ago I went to photograph a "Beauty Night" on Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, right at the intersection of Main and Hastings. It has yet to be published, although there was some interest from the Vancouver Sun to run the photos along with an article written by Michelle, who I work with at the Richmond News. This is a women-only event (myself and another guy from CityTV were the only men in the place) which aims to help disadvantaged women improve their self-image and increase their self-esteem.

From the Beauty Nights website
"“Beauty Nights” are our original and most popular program. All throughout the year and at various locations, volunteers offer services such as hair cutting and styling, make-up application and lessons, basic manicures and pedicures, relaxation massage, aromatherapy, reflexology and healing touch. Our image consultants help clients pick out donated clothing to take away. Clients are served healthy, delicious snacks and treats. If the venue allows it, we play music or movies for our clients. And at each Beauty Night, we give away to each client a small gift bag filled with small necessities – and some treats – including soap, shampoo, razors, nail files, nail polish, etc.

Beauty Night events take place in drop-in centres, transition homes, clinics, groups homes, hospitals and, sometimes, in salons. Beauty Nights are our most popular events, for their fun, friendship and pampering. "