BOUNTIFUL—Crazy Beautiful Salon was doing more than cutting hair last week – they were changing lives. This was the second year of the nonprofit Ashley Michelle project that helps men and women who are in substance abuse recovery.

“It’s named after my two daughters who are in recovery,” said Kelly Wareham founder of the program. “We went through 16 detox and 14 rehabs to get my daughters sober. I feel like I need to help out other families that are struggling.”

Men and women come to the salon from treatment centers, some are court ordered or therapists reach out, she said. “We’re doing 10 men and six women and giving them a makeover, color, cut, style, makeup and nails. We have eight hairstylists, two barbers, two nail technicians, one esthetician and a makeup artist. Most work here but some are coming from different places.”

Wareham’s brother Justin Puls has owned the salon since 2008 and is part of the project. “Tyson Steed is on the board of directors along with my daughters and Jodi Parker,” she said. “Tyson works with people who are coming out of jail to get on with their lives. He’s been in prison himself.”

“I’m in recovery myself so I wanted to be a part of this,” said Stephanie Tanner, a volunteer on the Ashley Michelle committee. “When I first got into recovery I was in jail and had to go into treatment. A girl brought me some makeup. That was the first kindness I’d seen. It really softened my heart. The simplest thing of some foundation changed my world.”

Tanner said helping these women is really special. “This is close to my heart. I’ve come out of a rough life. It’s a way of giving back. I don’t have money to give but I sure have a heart I can share.”

Jasmine Watkins came from Odyssey House in Salt Lake. “I’ve never had my hair professionally colored,” she said. “This is an awesome program that they’re doing for us. I struggle with self care. I never make time or have the opportunity to do things for myself. I’m always helping other people in the program and my husband and daughter. This feels great.”

Watkins said it’s hard because people look down on her because of her past. “It’s discouraging. I had a job I liked but when they did a background check they didn’t want me anymore.”

It’s nice that Odyssey House does this, she said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity.”

“It’s a fun event,” said Randall Carlise, Media and Community Affairs, Odyssey House. “This can make a difference for somebody who is trying to overcome addiction and make them feel special.”

Addicts are dealing with shame, guilt and moral judgment, he said. “To help them feel normal and do what other people do is a real treat. This makes a huge difference.”

A lot of them have been dealing with addiction for years and spent time behind bars, said Carlise. “It’s great that the salon does this. They don’t realize what a difference it makes to have someone pay attention to you and make them feel so special.” 

This is really needed and a lot of fun, said Wareham. “They’ve lost everything and the last thing they think about is getting their hair done. Everybody looks forward to this. They love helping.”

There is an epidemic of drugs and alcohol, she said. “It’s so sad. I figure I’ve been through this. If I don’t help what kind of person am I?”