If we all give a little, we can all gain a lot. Whether it’s to help feed the less fortunate or to put a warm jacket on child it gives a sense of accomplishment to our community to know our business owners find ways to help support local non-profits. Tina Reynolds, owner of Salon NeXt, recently hosted her 5th annual charity open house on Saturday, December 7, 2019. It was a special event where giving back included being involved in a raffle that highlighted prizes from the vendors in attendance for the open house. You could get your shopping done and donate to various charities at the same time. The salon, a uniquely renovated space in Ravenna looks like a retro-1950s warehouse/diner. A jukebox, upcycled/repurposed furniture, hydraulic chairs and shampoo sinks all against the backdrop of a Tiffany blue wall and checker-board floor. Kathy Samsa, Tina’s cousin, was present at the event and commented, “She had a vision for how she wanted the space to look and from top to bottom got it renovated. She could see what she wanted it to be.”
On the day of the charity open house it looked a lot different in the salon with plenty of Christmas décor for seasonal spirit. Dozens of guests mingled and checked out the vendors selling gifts as possible holiday presents. A cake almost to awesome eat was donated by Sunshine Cupcakes to honor Tina’s annual tradition. She said attendees were afraid to mess with it because of how well designed it was. “They think I’ll be upset,” she said jokingly. Additionally, DJ’s kept up a steady stream of event worthy tunes as donations trickled in throughout the evening.
The focal point of the evening was the four hand-drawn charity tracking poster. Showcasing the number of socks, coats, food and toys collected so far. “The idea for each year is to outdo the goal we set for ourselves the previous year. We have fun, but the charities are the most important thing,” she said with delight, pointing to goods that had already been donated. People were generous and halfway through the night two of the goals had already been exceeded. In all the contributors totaled: 127 Coats (goal 115), 151 Toys (goal 140), Food 189 (goal 175) and 101 Socks (goal 50). Eventually all the goals were surpassed. “I picked these charities because they help our neighbors stay fed, warm and are bringing a little happiness to some kids that are a little more unfortunate then others,” she explained.
As a young girl Tina dreamed of going to college to become an architect. Like many with youthful ambitions she had a plan and worked hard to see it implemented. She studied cosmetology at Maplewood Career Center and found at numerous Portage County salons. Tina developed a strong aptitude for cosmetology and wound up pursuing it as a profession. She is a self-proclaimed hair architect. Her flair for hair and life seem to draw not only clients, but also friends, family, co-workers and community members out to support her charity event every year. Mandee Scott, a Doterra essential oil representative said, “We love Tina. Her positive attitude makes you want to help in any way you can.”
She believes in all aspects of charity, but the open house is meant specifically for giving back locally. “I’m always shocked, humbled and grateful every single year,” Tina said about the turnout and donations.
“Tina is an inspiration,” said cousin Kathy. “She is a helper at heart.”
