Hi! I'm Rafaella, the founder of Beauty for Survivors, a mission that came out of my own story of survival + more than 20 years of working internationally as a makeup artist.
After many instances of my life being under imminent threat (of violence and/or death) I know firsthand the horror of having to run, with no time to pack your belongings, and no idea of where you will end up that night, or whether you will be able to sleep or find food to eat. I also learned that, once the most essential needs for survival are met, it is beauty (through art, music, creativity and self-expression) that ultimately restores a sense of meaning, humanity, dignity and hope.
That's why I've started this special initiative on behalf of the countless individuals and families who are currently fleeing the war zone in Ukraine.
- We have an international team of over 22 volunteers and together we are creating mini beauty kits to provide to refugees arriving in the Czech Republic. Your generous donation will help us to fill each beauty kit with 5-6 much-needed products for each refugee.
- In collaboration with RYOR and the Makeup Institute of Prague, we are organizing & offering on-going support workshops for Ukrainian teenage refugees. These workshops will combine makeup & skincare lessons with trauma-informed support and coaching, to meet the needs of refugees who have just lost their homes and their sense of belonging. Beauty is a language which needs no translation, and it provides a simple, accessible way to reconnect with self-confidence and an increased sense of well-being and community. Your generous donation will help us to cover the operating costs for these workshops which will be offered free of charge to each refugee who participates.
Why is makeup important in the middle of a trauma or survival situation?
Here's Amra Mesic, a volunteer team member with #Beauty4Ukraine, with a little more insight on why something as simple as blush and lip gloss can serve as a powerful tool for migrants and refugees in the aftermath of violence:
What will be included in the kits?
More details here below:
We will continue to document this initiative with updates and stories as we create, fill and distribute each kit - so follow us on FB and IG ➡️ @beautyxsurvivors to find out more!
Share #Beauty4Ukraine across your social media channels, and find our official campaign art (free to download and share) at the link below.
Thank you so much for helping us to make a tangible difference in the lives of Ukrainian refugees who will be hosted in our homes & local communities!
FREE DIGITAL DOWNLOAD FOR POSTCARDS & STICKERS: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/wuo3atdi879k7mp/AADn0FjtnRilDiAXCeD1o79Ia?dl=0
No matter what happens... remember this: you are loved.
#BEAUTY4UKRAINE #STANDWITHUKRAINE
Highlights
See all activity4Our Team
As of March 1st, we have a team of 22 volunteers from around the world, representing 10 languages and countries. We have translators, makers (fabric collection and sewing), digital designers, community outreach and distribution volunteers, brand and corporate collaboration volunteers... and so many more who have offered any and every kind of support to this initiative as we move forward.
Will you be joining us? Donate, share the fundraiser, start a sticker campaign in your neighborhood - there are so many ways to be part of our growing team of international volunteers, and we would love to have you! Join the resistance as we say no to fear and yes to making a difference in difficult times!
Beauty Kit FAQ
What's in a kit?
- Handmade cloth bag
- 5-6 full size beauty essentials, including a face cream, mascara, lip gloss and more
- An original art postcard, designed in honor of Ukraine
- the back of the postcard includes details on products, plus a link to a list of local service providers (Czech Republic) who are offering free services (haircut, manicure, face treatment, etc) for refugees
