NEW YORK (WCBS 880) -- Judy Abreu always dreamed of owning a salon.
Now she owns two Beautiful People Salons on Long Island where she hosts women’s empowerment events in the community.
It all started when Abreu was younger and had trouble brushing her curly hair.
Judy and her husband separate themselves from other salons by having Christian beliefs at the center of their business.
“We believe that everything you do not only do you do it in excellence but you do it in a correct way. We strive for education and we do not sit back, we educate ourselves constantly,” said Abreu.
Beautiful People Salon cultivates a culture of employees dedicated to the brand and business principles. Unlike other salons that hire hairdressers as private contractors, all of her 37 employees get a salary, plus commission.
Judy has also trained her employees on business operations and offers a program that teaches how to be financially successful within your business.
Judy and her salon also participate in empowerment events for women battling cancer and other illnesses.
“We give our talent which is doing their hair, providing or cutting a wig for them.”
The salon helps with Team Challenge, which is a rehab program for women that are going through an addiction.
The women’s empowerment program is a hands on experience where you see a girl’s confidence boosted after a new haircut.
“You are beautiful and do not let anything let you go down. Keep your head up high,” said Abreu.