Every year at Brows by G, we hold our annual Giving Back event where we give free of charge semi-permanent services to those who have survived a battle with cancer. This event is near and dear to our hearts. It’s our way of giving back to those who have done the unimaginable, showed tremendous strength, and inspired us with their stories.
For many who have gone through chemotherapy, their brow hair is severely affected and either comes back in very fine, or not at all. Therefore, our Microblading and Micropigmentation services offer a wonderful solution to those wanting to bring back their brows.
We often don’t realize how much we take something for granted until it’s taken away from us. We could talk about brow transformations for days on end, but to truly understand how powerful giving someone their brows back is, we wanted to talk to someone who’s been through the process firsthand.
We met Lynn at our 2019 event and immediately connected with her. I had the pleasure of asking Lynn a few questions about how this experience impacted her, and wanted to share her responses in light of our 2020 event being just around the corner..
How would you describe your experience at Brows by G's annual cancer event last year?
It is actually hard to put into words however, I will try…
My daughter had nominated me and I was both surprised and thrilled to be selected. Not being a person who frequently pampers herself with salon experiences, I was initially nervous and had no idea what to expect. Staff were all very welcoming and friendly – I was truly treated as a special guest. The atmosphere was so festive - complete with decorations, party food and beautiful presents! I knew something special was about to happen!
I was introduced to my wonderful brow artist, Carley, and she not only made me feel instantly at ease, she was also very knowledgeable about her profession which totally calmed me. She explained everything during the process and checked in with me frequently to ensure I was comfortable and in agreement with what she was doing. Because she is so talented and has the heart and personality that is ideal for her position, I had complete confidence in her skills and ability.
From beginning to end - I simply could not have had a more positive experience!
Why do you think brows are so powerful?
Honestly – WHO KNEW? Powerful is exactly the right word!
When I first looked in the mirror and saw my reflection with my beautiful eyebrows, my reaction actually caught me off guard. The only way I can describe it is - it was literally like looking in the mirror and seeing the ME that had been missing for many years. I was back!
My brows were literally the last thing that had been damaged by cancer that had not eventually healed over time or been surgically repaired. My hair grew back, burns healed, my energy resurfaced, and plastic surgery fixed up the “new and improved” girls. I unknowingly had resigned myself to painting on my eyebrows for the rest of my life. I am ABSOLUTELY in LOVE with my beautiful brows. They are so realistic and perfect in every way.
Being able to wake up in the morning and look good is amazing! Even with zero makeup – I feel like I look normal. I am complete. For me – my brows represent closure from the cancer journey.
What did getting your brows back mean to you?
This is the thing… I had no idea how important my eyebrows had been to me or that I missed them so badly!
As a teen and young woman, I actually liked my eyebrows. Like many of us, there were not a ton of things I loved about my body. However, I took solace in “at least I have great eyebrows”.
Everything is perspective – so in the big scope of things, not having my eyebrows grow back was not something I allowed myself to grieve. Having survived stage 3, grade 3 breast cancer in 2010, I considered myself blessed to have the opportunity to “powder in” mediocre eyebrows every single day.
That is one of the reasons why this was such a spectacular gift! Not only do I have FANTASTIC brows again, they are perfect every day! They are the final example of the great things that came of the cancer journey (yes – there were other great things too!)
Lynn’s responses sum up exactly why we continue to put this event on year after year. We absolutely love that we can be apart of journey’s like Lynn’s and bring joy to some of the many fighters and survivors in our community.
If you or someone you know has beat cancer and would like to be apart of this special day, nominations are now open and we would love to hear from you. Keep your eyes peeled on our social media for how to nominate!
“The day is so much more than the rebirth of beautiful eyebrows - it is a celebration of having survived. Cancer and continuing to be beautiful!!!” -Lynn