Two Leicestershire hairdressers will join a team of stylists travelling across the globe to train 25 young adults living in an SOS Children’s village in the Phillipines how to cut, colour and style hair, after which they will be offered further training or employment opportunities
with local salons.
Indy Burmi and Raj Sethi Bamra, both from Indy Hairdressing in Guildhall Lane, will join four other UK hairdressers chosen by global haircare brand, Schwarzkopf Professional as part of their Shaping Futures charity initiative that offers young people who have experienced
trauma and poverty the skills to build a new, safe life for themselves.
Commenting on the opportunity, Indy said: “We are grateful and blessed for the gift we have been given and I believe sharing our knowledge, skills and passion with others less fortunate is a positive start. It is a great honour to be selected as a volunteer and be a part of a fantastic team who are so dedicated. I am very lucky to be able to go with Raj who initially started off her career with us 15 years ago and has now returned to be a major part of the salon team as a Senior Director.”
Shaping Futures has been running since 2009, and this is the first year the UK team will be visiting the Philippines, following many successful years partnering with SOS Children’s Villages in India. Every young person who takes part in Shaping Futures has experienced trauma and poverty; but thanks to this initiative they are given the skills to build a new, safe life for themselves.
Continuing, Raj said, “I believe anyone can give money to charity but giving your time is invaluable. I am privileged to have been selected to work with Shaping Futures. Being able to share my skills and knowledge with disadvantaged youngsters, to help set them up for a career in hairdressing, is an honour. Having Indy’s support and him going through the journey with me, is so exciting.”
Indy opened Indy Hairdressing, based in Guildhall Lane, Leicester, over 20 years ago; followed by Mewies and Indy, a boutique style salon in the heart of Quorn, just over four years ago with his business partner Dan Mewies.
Commenting on his businesses, Indy said, “Both salons are a home away from home for every client that walks through the doors. We educate ourselves with the latest techniques, products, customer service and management skills. We then share our knowledge with our team members ensuring we create the ultimate hair experience for our clients.”
Each volunteer has been asked to fundraise £1500 for the SOS Children’s Villages charity and the additional money needed to cover their expenses.
