Francesca Falciano, owner of Creative Image hair salon at 3162 E. Tremont Avenue, recently donated a gift certificate good for one free prom hairdo, a $55 value, to Lehman High School.
The 27-year-old former graduate of Lehman made the donation a couple of times since she took over the store from a family friend almost two years ago, selecting her alma mater as the perfect recipient.
“Proms can be very, very costly,” she said. “I like to do what I can to help at least one student.”
Falciano said she’s also working to find a florist willing to donate a corsage so a young man can also benefit from a financial prom break.
But it’s not just prom season that fuels Falciano’s desire to give back, she said she’s constantly thinking of ways to get involved in the community.
“If we don’t give back, who’s going to,” she validly questioned.
Last November her shop hosted Locks of Love Day. Interested parties could stop in and receive a complimentary haircut in exchange for their donation to Locks of Love, the not-for-profit that donates hair to children who suffer from long-term medical hair loss.
While a crowd of 17 donated, Falciano said, “They kept calling the next day.” All in all, the event’s wide success sparked the salon owner’s desire to begin planning this year’s event.
Beyond her business walls, Falciano said she also makes trips to the homes of the elderly, whose sickness prevents them from making the journey to the salon. Senior citizens also receive discounts every Tuesday and Wednesday.
Always exploring opportunities for involvement, Falciano, who also graduated from Our Lady of Assumption, said her next step is to join the Pelham Bay Merchants Association.
“That’ll give me a better idea of what to do and how to get involved further,” she said.
For more information on future events at Creative Image, call (718) 863-6376.
