Getting Involved and Giving Back
A Message FRom the owner of Left Hand Laser studio
I am a second-generation Armenian-American and a descendant of Zebulon Pike (for whom Pikes Peak in Colorado was named). My Dad is an Armenian, who was born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon and moved to Coloado in the 70's. My Mom was born in Des Moines, Iowa and moved to Colorado as a teenager. I have always been proud of my heritage but felt wildly disconnected from my roots. In October of 2017, a nonprofit organization called Fund For Armenian Relief (FAR, for short) selected me from a field of candidates to travel to Armenia for ten days to be the focus of a docu-series aimed at bridging the gap between Armenians in Armenia and the Armenians in diaspora. It was a lifelong dream of mine to visit the land of my ancestors and I had no idea what this experience would be like...but it changed me forever.
I encourage you to find an organization or a cause that you are passionate about and act. Give of your time, your resources, or both. If we all pick something that we truly care about and decide to take part, we will see true, positive change in the world!
If you would like to learn more about FAR please click here. If you would like to see 100% of your donation go directly to helping Armenian people in great need, please join me in supporting FAR by clicking here. While in Armenia, I was given the chance to fundraise with Ayo!, FAR's crowdfunding platform. They pick a new project every few months, and work tirelessly to get it funded. From school supplies for the 74% of children in Armenia living below the poverty level, to clothes for familes in need. If you would like to learn more about Ayo! and the work they do, please click here.
Days after I first opened my studio I was given an envelope with a check and a note tucked inside. The note was from a woman wanting to donate money to help provide hair removal for an unsuspecting transgender client. Along with the check was a hand-written letter full of love and encouragement to be given to the recipient of the gift. I was inspired to take action and began offering my transgender clients a discount on laser hair removal services. Through the help of Out Boulder, connections I have made with the medical community, and some incredible friends, the word has spread. I will continue to offer this discount for as long as I am in business and will continue to support Out Boulder through financial contributions and by being an ally and creating awareness. If you would like to learn more about the outstanding work that Out Boulder is doing please click here. To make a donation to Out Boulder click here.
