Layali Salon

All around the world, nations are closing their borders to refugees, so untold thousands are left in places they only intended to pass through on their way to another destination.
In Greece, there are about 60,000 refugees, most of them from Syria and Afghanistan, currently stranded with nowhere to go for the foreseeable future.

It’s hard for them to live, as you can imagine. Greece’s economic troubles are well-known. Work is hard to find, especially for refugee women who don’t speak the local language and don’t have marketable skills.

What are some of the most useful job skills to have? Beauty services. Marina Liakis believes her Layali Salon can make a difference by hiring refugee women who already have beautician skills, and running a paid apprenticeship program for those who do not. The program will build in Greek language and job-seeking skills, as well as training in hairdressing, manicure, and other salon services.

She’s already been fortunate enough to receive the gift of a rent-free building. It’s perfect because it’s a former hairdressing salon, not so perfect in the condition it was found. So some renovations have been funded by a donor, a license has been granted, and a certified manager is in place. Our Awesome Without Borders grant will help stock the Layali Salon with shampoo, conditioner, nail polish, and lighted mirrors. If all goes as hoped, the program will be self-sustaining as the salon generates income to pay employees and trainees.

Take a look at their website, Facebook and Instagram at the makeovers in progress, transformations that can make a more beautiful future for women (and a building).