Our company’s mantra is to improve lives from the outside in. We live this mantra within our salons each day and also apply it to our philanthropy practices.
In 2019, we celebrated our 50th anniversary, an achievement that wouldn’t have happened without the support of our community. That’s why being an advocate for our community is part of our core.
Why it’s important to give back
The responsibility to give back is what makes PENZONE Salons + Spas a fulfilling place to work. Volunteering not only supports our community, it also encourages our team members to uncover their passions and find a greater purpose in life. An added benefit to the organization is that the values of the recruits we attract align with our greater values as a company, which leads to retention.
Determine a focus
Each year, we support many organizations and focus on those that align with the values of each of our brands. We lend our help via donations of cash, in-kind (with gift baskets and products) and other in-kind (with the power of our hands).
As an organization, the benefit is to align on a focus and identify ways that your company or team can provide value.
Unique ways to leverage strengths to give back
Over the last two years, our brand has reinvented itself. Not only has our core concept been rebranded to PENZONE Salons + Spas, we’ve introduced Royal Rhino Club Barbershop & Lounge and L I T Life + Yoga. Extending our brand into the wellness and mindfulness space enables us to give back to the community in unique and exciting ways.
Recently, we participated in the Fundraising Leadership Academy, a six-month program designed to give Central Ohio nonprofit leaders the tools and support they need to be expert fundraisers. The greater purpose of the program, and where we came in, was to give these leaders the self-care tools they need to prevent burnout — ultimately encouraging them to raise more money and amplify their impact on the local community.
Nonprofit leaders work tirelessly each day to improve our community, so we jumped at the chance to participate and reiterate a message we’ve worked to get out to the community – self-care isn’t selfish. From instructors to hair and makeup artists, to massage therapists, we shared our expertise on mindfulness, meditation, yoga, confidence and inner beauty, food and beauty and more. Getting this group of leaders in the same room, sharing stories and being vulnerable opened up the dialogue and made a tremendous impact. Our mission (literally) accomplished.
I’m proud that other local businesses and organizations are recognizing the need for these topics to be shared and acknowledged to improve the lives of their people. The company will continue to give back in this way, and I couldn’t think of a better way to do what we love and share what we love with a city and the people that we love.
With reflection on core values, focus and capabilities, you’ll likely find that you or your organization could also make a difference in the community in many meaningful ways.
Debbie Penzone is president and CEO of Charles Penzone Inc. Debbie’s expertise as a business leader, hair professional and her avid philanthropy have earned her the respect of the salon industry and the nonprofit community. She has been recognized as one of the 20 most remarkable women in Central Ohio, one of the 20 most intriguing salon owners and was a Smart 50 winner.
