A Touching Story

"If everyone gave a little time to someone else, then we'd reach our goal of taking care of each other a little faster," says Jennifer Sullens-Pealer, who owns the jenniffer & Co salons with her brother Jospeh. "When you touch someone, that creates such a big impact on the whole world."

The Mentor Chamber of Commerce named jenniffer & co. the Business of the Year for the company's philanthrophic efforts. Jennifer is the regional co-ordinator for Look Good, Feel Better, a group that works with the American Cancer Society to help women deal with appearance-related changes from cancer treatment. To aid Wigs for Kids, salon stylists will provide free service to anyone who cuts off 12 or more inches of hair. Also, the salons hold occasional Spa Nights, where patrons can get free samplings of services and vendors donate a percentage of their earnings to charities like the Ronald McDonald House.

"A person's goal should be to help other people be better," Jennifer says.

Her helping-hand philosophy began in Mentor High School (Class of '85), when the aspiring cosmetologist studied in the vocational program. Today, she's a member of The Salon Association, a network of operators who work together to keep high standards for the salon industry, and to "make sure the business stays local," she says, "We work for our community."

Mentor City Magazine 2004/2005press section