From behind the stylist’s chair, Basia Belz, owner of Vivid Salon and Spa, serves as a “hairapist” – someone who is privy to the highs, lows, and challenges of the clients who sit in her chair. This access gives her a unique insight into the struggles that young people face in terms of bullying and feeling accepted. Basia has taken on the cause of bullying by serving as a longtime board member of the Pioneer Valley nonprofit organization Unify Against Bullying. “I was not aware of how much cyber bullying was going on,” says Basia, noting that her clients have shared with her some of what occurs in their lives. “Because our doors are totally open to kids, we’ve enabled the kids who might have felt like outsiders, or who felt they didn’t belong, or were suicidal, to realize that there’s a group that helps supply them with information and that does events that provide a sense of inclusion.” “With Unify, we’ve been able to have students – peers – go into classrooms to share their experiences with other students. We’ve handed out thousands in grant money. Scholarships are available that can be applied to projects and antibullying activities,” says Basia. “One student used her scholarship money to construct a buddy bench where anyone who needed a friend could sit and be supported.” Unify scholarships can also be applied toward higher education. Local businesses can support Unify’s mission by hosting events, collecting round-up donations, or branding certain products in support of the nonprofit. In the past year, more than 20 local businesses lent their support to the mission. Vivid will be hosting a cut-a-thon to raise funds for Unify. “As far as the salon goes, I’m grateful for community development and support. We won the Reader Raves 2024 – not just because of our services, but because of our amazing clientele and community members who show their support,” says Basia.
Local businesses can support Unify’s mission by hosting events, collecting round-up donations, or branding certain products in support of the nonprofit.