Local hairstylist creates fundraiser highlighting ‘Real Amazing Women’ in the Ohio Valley

WHEELING, W.Va. (WTRF) – Empowering women is a common theme that both hairstylists and the YWCA have in common, and one local hairstylist is taking this theme to the next level for a good cause.

Audrey Yakopin had the idea of compiling and selling a book of pictures and quotes from women throughout the Ohio Valley to show their similarities, differences, and inspirations, with the proceeds from all sales going back to the YWCA.

She’s calling it R.A.W. – Real. Amazing. Women.

One in four women will experience sexual assault in their lifetime, and Audrey says having a personal connection to that statistic drives her to bring light to these negative situations, while also focusing on the positives of being a woman.

”I would love for it to bring a sense of community between the women in our Valley. I think that sometimes things get lost, especially on social media, with the comparisons and just feeling like maybe you’re not good enough if you stay at home and you’re raising kids or not good enough if you’re not owning your own business. So, I think it would be nice to see all these women come together and share a common goal of edifying each other and building each other up.”

Audrey Yakopin – Hairstylist, Meraki, A Hair Salon

If you or someone you know would be interested in signing up for a time slot to be photographed and included in the book, you can contact Audrey through her Facebook page , or on her website audreysmane.square.com .

From there you can set up a time to meet her at Meraki, A Hair Salon at 1066 Market Street in Wheeling to get your picture taken and answer a few questions.

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