Back at the start of 2024, in celebration of our 8th anniversary, Boulevard introduced a new corporate giving initiative called Causes that Matter. The concept was simple: highlight eight industry causes that are making a real, tangible difference in the world. As Boulevard knows better than anyone, the self-care industry is full of exceptional people with incredible hearts, and we wanted to use our voice and resources to amplify their amazing work. As it turns out, in giving back, we received more in the way of hope and inspiration than any of us could have ever imagined. 

In addition to writing blogs and making donations, we had the unique opportunity to host internal Lunch & Learn sessions with many of the leaders behind the organizations we spotlighted. It’s hard to put into words just how powerful these sessions were. We were at various times shocked, amazed, inspired, moved to tears, and driven to action. And all above else, we learned.   

We learned from Lorenzo P. Lewis of The Confess Project of America about the vital role self-care care professionals can play in fostering mental health advocacy. Julie Farley of Project Beauty Share made us believe that makeup can indeed be medicine. Bethany Hornthal of HairToStay showed us how modern technology can make the devastating psychological impact of hair loss on cancer patients a thing of the past. We heard from the inspiring Meghan Hayden of Beauty Changes Lives about the ongoing fight to make beauty and wellness a first-choice profession. 

The amazing Jamie DiGrazia of HAIR HAS NO GENDER™ taught us what it means to leave clients (and everyone!) feeling loved and accepted for who they are. Rachel Molepske, leader of the Professional Beauty Association’s CUT IT OUT®  program, opened our eyes to the prevalence of domestic violence in America. And we learned from Mary Jenkins, the passionate founder of Hairstyles and Beauty for Hope, about the many unseen challenges of life as a cancer patient.

If there is and was a common theme to what we learned from this inspirational program, it’s that we should aspire to create and contribute to a world in which everyone matters, no one’s struggles are left unattended, and no one’s voice is left unheard. Ours is first and foremost an industry of inclusivity, and so it’s only fitting that we wrap up our 2024 Causes that Matter program today by highlighting Strands for Trans, a nonprofit organization focused on supporting transgender and gender-expansive people by providing resources and guidance to hairstylists and beauty professionals. 

As the team at Strands for Trans is unafraid to point out, haircuts have historically been gendered. Salons are seen as being for women, barbershops are seen as being for men, and the trans community is in many instances left feeling uncomfortable, unwelcome, and unsure. Strands for Trans is on a mission to change that by giving salons and barbershops alike the resources they need to create trans-friendly environments where everyone feels welcome. Through training and education on topics such as gender-affirming haircuts, proper terminology, and respectful, non-discriminatory practices, Strands for Trans is helping the beauty industry foster a better understanding of what it truly means to support the trans community and creating safer, more inclusive spaces in the process. 

Boulevard is proud to mark the conclusion of our 2024 Causes that Matter program by donating to this wonderful cause. As we look ahead to the new year and count the many things we have to be thankful for as a company, we are truly grateful to be part of an industry that is as caring and selfless as this one.