about us
THIS IS OUR BEGINNING
our story
In early 2012, Adair was invited to a Du (wig) party: the Du Company makes high-quality synthetic wigs that are stylish, come in many lengths and colors, and are engineered to be cooler than other brands. Since Adair had worn wigs for quite some time for both fashion and convenience, this was a great opportunity for her. Shortly thereafter, Karla persuaded Adair to purchase a retail wig inventory for clients at her boutique and spa. Sharing the business opportunity with Alexis was an organic next step. While the idea was appealing to her, Alexis wanted to specifically work with need-based clients suffering from hair loss. Based on this model, Karla and Alexis networked with a local oncology nurse who runs a cancer support group. Upon presenting the Dus to the patients and their families, something special happened. The response was overwhelming (the crying kind). Simply seeing how they looked with a new, full set of hair touched them, and anyone could clearly see the joy they received from the inside, out. This was a pivotal moment for the IOF as it was a sign to move forward with our non-profit concept.
Something unbelievable happened next: Karla began receiving calls from women who were too ill to leave home for wig fittings. Not to be slowed, Karla simply made house calls. Time and time again, the results would be the same: clients loved the Dus, but did not have the resources to make the purchase. Karla, being the giving person she is, would tell them to keep their favorite Du free of charge. These wonderful clients brought tears to her eyes: how could these women tolerate their many medical procedures sometimes fighting for their lives while enduring the humiliation of losing their hair with no help? Our mission began here as there was clearly a need to assist these brave women.
To begin the legal process, Adair individually met with an attorney to get preliminary information about starting an aesthetic services organization. Sharing this exciting possibility with Alexis and Karla was one of the biggest highlights of the journey…how would YOU react if you found out your dream was within reach?
All three women knew that the next step was to inform the owners of the Du Company, David and Susie Vaters, about the organization concept. It was an emotional evening as Karla told them of all the contacts she made and the wigs she had given away. The Vaters saw the need and instantly wanted to help us in our mission to enrich the community. They would later donate a sizable amount of brand new Dus to the IOF. With this important support behind us, it was time to really get to work.
As estheticians and makeup artists, Adair and Karla immediately knew that in addition to providing wigs, they wanted to offer facials and makeovers for these clients. What better way to enliven a woman than to make her feel more attractive and pampered, especially when times are tough? Alexis suggested that we partner with other non-profits in the area to supply emotional outreach resources, as well. Gradually, our purpose and mission became clear. Naming this foundation, “The Inside Out Foundation,” seemed quite appropriate, and we see the evidence of how meaningful that name is, every day, every client.
In early 2012, Adair was invited to a Du (wig) party: the Du Company makes high-quality synthetic wigs that are stylish, come in many lengths and colors, and are engineered to be cooler than other brands. Since Adair had worn wigs for quite some time for both fashion and convenience, this was a great opportunity for her. Shortly thereafter, Karla persuaded Adair to purchase a retail wig inventory for clients at her boutique and spa. Sharing the business opportunity with Alexis was an organic next step. While the idea was appealing to her, Alexis wanted to specifically work with need-based clients suffering from hair loss. Based on this model, Karla and Alexis networked with a local oncology nurse who runs a cancer support group. Upon presenting the Dus to the patients and their families, something special happened. The response was overwhelming (the crying kind). Simply seeing how they looked with a new, full set of hair touched them, and anyone could clearly see the joy they received from the inside, out. This was a pivotal moment for the IOF as it was a sign to move forward with our non-profit concept.
Something unbelievable happened next: Karla began receiving calls from women who were too ill to leave home for wig fittings. Not to be slowed, Karla simply made house calls. Time and time again, the results would be the same: clients loved the Dus, but did not have the resources to make the purchase. Karla, being the giving person she is, would tell them to keep their favorite Du free of charge. These wonderful clients brought tears to her eyes: how could these women tolerate their many medical procedures sometimes fighting for their lives while enduring the humiliation of losing their hair with no help? Our mission began here as there was clearly a need to assist these brave women.
To begin the legal process, Adair individually met with an attorney to get preliminary information about starting an aesthetic services organization. Sharing this exciting possibility with Alexis and Karla was one of the biggest highlights of the journey…how would YOU react if you found out your dream was within reach?
All three women knew that the next step was to inform the owners of the Du Company, David and Susie Vaters, about the organization concept. It was an emotional evening as Karla told them of all the contacts she made and the wigs she had given away. The Vaters saw the need and instantly wanted to help us in our mission to enrich the community. They would later donate a sizable amount of brand new Dus to the IOF. With this important support behind us, it was time to really get to work.
To make the idea of referring to local non-profits a reality, Adair made contact with the Lubbock Susan G. Komen and American Cancer Society organizations to determine how we could be most helpful based on their needs. The timing was uncanny with The American Cancer Society as their wig inventory was almost depleted. It was at this point we knew providing wigs to non-profits like the ACS was far more meaningful than retailing them only through the IOF. It became Karla’s assignment to keep those wigs rotated and stocked. She still works closely with the ACS, taking care of weekly referrals and fittings for their clients.
To further our mission of enhancing women’s lives, our next goal was to partner with Janssen Cosmetics, a skincare company based in Aachen, Germany, and owned by Walter Janssen and his family. Why Janssen? Because Adair and Karla have used their products for years on their own clients due to their high quality, and nothing less would be good enough for the IOF clients. This may seem like quite an obstacle, but Adair wasn’t going to let a few thousand miles come between her plan and actually get the support she so hoped for. Through her working relationship with Edmund Beck, the Janssen distributor out of San Antonio, Adair was able to propose a partnership between Janssen and the IOF. Due to his representation of Janssen in seven of the Southwest States of the U.S. and his close ties to the Janssen family, Ed has been able to facilitate this proposed partnership. We are currently fine-tuning the details regarding the level of participation in which Mr. Janssen and his company will be involved. Ed agreed that our approach to helping women is unique: estheticians helping clients with their skincare needs, a cosmetic makeover if desired and a wig if needed is something no one else offers. To make the package complete, we have partnered with a local clothing and shoe store that provides significant discounts for clients needing a new look for a job interview, first day at a new job, etc. We have made all this possible through fundraisers and private donations thus far but will be ramping up in 2013 as we now qualify for grant funding.
As estheticians and makeup artists, Adair and Karla immediately knew that in addition to providing wigs, they wanted to offer facials and makeovers for these clients. What better way to enliven a woman than to make her feel more attractive and pampered, especially when times are tough? Alexis suggested that we partner with other non-profits in the area to supply emotional outreach resources, as well. Gradually, our purpose and mission became clear. Naming this foundation, “The Inside Out Foundation,” seemed quite appropriate, and we see the evidence of how meaningful that name is, every day, every client.
To make the idea of referring to local non-profits a reality, Adair made contact with the Lubbock Susan G. Komen and American Cancer Society organizations to determine how we could be most helpful based on their needs. The timing was uncanny with The American Cancer Society as their wig inventory was almost depleted. It was at this point we knew providing wigs to non-profits like the ACS was far more meaningful than retailing them only through the IOF. It became Karla’s assignment to keep those wigs rotated and stocked. She still works closely with the ACS, taking care of weekly referrals and fittings for their clients.
To further our mission of enhancing women’s lives, our next goal was to partner with Janssen Cosmetics, a skincare company based in Aachen, Germany, and owned by Walter Janssen and his family. Why Janssen? Because Adair and Karla have used their products for years on their own clients due to their high quality, and nothing less would be good enough for the IOF clients. This may seem like quite an obstacle, but Adair wasn’t going to let a few thousand miles come between her plan and actually get the support she so hoped for. Through her working relationship with Edmund Beck, the Janssen distributor out of San Antonio, Adair was able to propose a partnership between Janssen and the IOF. Due to his representation of Janssen in seven of the Southwest States of the U.S. and his close ties to the Janssen family, Ed has been able to facilitate this proposed partnership. We are currently fine-tuning the details regarding the level of participation in which Mr. Janssen and his company will be involved. Ed agreed that our approach to helping women is unique: estheticians helping clients with their skincare needs, a cosmetic makeover if desired and a wig if needed is something no one else offers. To make the package complete, we have partnered with a local clothing and shoe store that provides significant discounts for clients needing a new look for a job interview, first day at a new job, etc. We have made all this possible through fundraisers and private donations thus far but will be ramping up in 2013 as we now qualify for grant funding.
THIS IS OUR PASSION & OUR PURPOSE
our future goals
It is our goal to be able to coordinate with more partners and to generate further awareness in the Lubbock and surrounding areas. We also plan to increase the scope of clients so that we can help even more women.
Our goals for 2022 as it marks our milestone 10th year are to increase clientele by 25% and partner with 10 new agencies/businesses this year!
MEET OUR TEAM
