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Style With A Cause Part II – Cutting Loose For Charities

By Becca Smith

Photography by Jolanta Bremer of Jola Portraits

REAL Style readers, I hope you have enjoyed the “Style with a Cause” summer series ─ empowering and inspiring women through fashion and beauty; honoring amazing women who choose to use their talents and time to give back to the community in which they work and live.

When I think of a woman who has “Style with a Cause” Coral Pleas, Master Stylist/Founder of Cutting Loose Salon comes to mind. Coral and her staff are committed to inspiring women through fashion and beauty, enhancing their beauty from the inside and out. She states,” As artists, we have a passion for this industry and for what we do and, and we want to share that with every person who walks through our door.” It’s clear that Coral also has a passion for giving back. She uses her talents and time to support local non-profit organizations, is committed to the community and truly believes it is important to support worthy organizations.

I’d say the Cutting Loose Salon team is “Cutting Loose for Charities.” Each year they host a charity cut-a-thon to benefit The Center for Building Hope. They offer discount haircuts, chair massages, make-up applications, and pink feather extensions; raffle off donations from local businesses, as well as a basket from Cutting Loose filled with products and a $100 gift certificate toward services.

Since 1990, Coral has supported a local organization called SPARCC (Safe Place and Rape crisis Center). She also serves on their Board. The salon donates gift certificates to the shelter that can be used by women for a day of pampering and fashion consulting. Their day at Cutting Loose Salon helps them build a professional image so they can find new jobs and make a fresh start. They also provide hair and make-up for SPARCC’s annual Fashion Show held at the Ritz Carlton that raises money to support the organization.

Coral’s commitment to giving back doesn’t stop here. Cutting Loose Salon supports Day of Hope & Hope Kids (kids from low income or homeless families get ready for the school season) by collecting donations in the salon for events to raise money for school supplies, and at least three of Protégé Stylists attend the events and donate their time by giving free haircuts making the kids look back-to-school cool!

Then there’s the Lisa Kreider Memorial Scholarship Fund (partnering with the Community Foundation) established to honor the memory of one of the Salons fellow team member who lost her life in March 2007. The fund provides scholarships to female students with financial needs who want to attend beauty school.

Cutting Loose Salon is also honored to participate in the annual Designing Women Boutique Gala and Style Show styling the gorgeous models for the style show. Designing Women Boutique a non-profit consignment boutique featuring upscale designer clothing, jewelry, furniture and home accessories to grow funding for the Sarasota’s arts and human services organizations.

Cutting Loose Salon’s motto is E2= Exceeding Expectations. There is nothing more important to them than the guest. They strive to ensure that every guests experience is extraordinary, delectable, and consistent. As a team, they are committed to inspiring their guests and the community with an unparalleled dedication to service while enhancing beauty, inside and out.

Speaking of being beautiful inside and out ─ CORAL PLEAS. Coral recognizes that there are times when individuals need help from businesses like hers with their fundraising efforts. If you are a charity group or organization hosting a fashion show or event with models Cutting Loose stylists and make-up artists enjoy taking their work and artistry outside of the salon to support local causes … and this is what they will do for the upcoming Women’s Council of Realtors Fashion Show and Luncheon September 16th at the Polo Grill Fete Ballroom; benefiting Family Promise, a local non-profit Organization that enables the community to work together to address the needs of homeless families in Sarasota.

The stylists will be “Cutting Loose for Charity” – styling the beautiful models who will be strutting the runway in fashions from JackieZ Style Co, like modeled here by Stafford Starcher, President – Realtors Association Sarasota & Manatee (RASM), Broker Associate RE/MAX Alliance Group and First Lady – Linda Starcher, Residential & Relocation Specialist RE/MAX Alliance Group. Stafford wears a Stone Rose dress shirt and Joe’s Jean and Linda, a Tart Amya teal dress and Zac & Ally necklace/bracelet; all available at Jackie Z Style Co.

Thank you Coral Pleas for inspiring and empowering women through fashion and beauty. Keep “Styling with a Cause!” You and your team of stylists and make-up artists make Sarasota a wonderful place to live.

^[1]Rebecca Z. Smith, a fashion stylist/image consultant, is founder of We’ve Got Style. She offers wardrobe planning, closet consultations and is available for styling/personal shopping services. Rebecca knows fashion: the looks, the trends, the runway buzz, and how to put an outfit as well as a sustainable wardrobe together. More importantly she takes pride in knowing each client personally. This combination of professional expertise and highly personalized service ensures every client has the wardrobe that expresses their best self. For your entire wardrobe needs contact Rebecca at (941) 223-6643, beccarealstyle@gmail.com ^[2] – www.wevegotstyle.biz ^[3].

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