32 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | NOVEMBER 2019 Veronica and her team also lend their time and talents to various nonprofits across the Valley, inspiring self-confidence in those who have suffered some of the hardest situations. The BBV Salon team has impacted more than 100 individuals, from haircuts and styling to full-on surprise makeovers and everything in between. “I’ve been lucky to be surrounded with a team of coworkers that are like-minded and want to give back. I couldn’t do it myself,” she said. About every six weeks, the BBV team goes to cut hair at Circle the City, a Valley-based nonprofit focused on innovative healthcare solutions that address the needs of those facing homelessness. Veronica and her team have gone to jails to style and cut women’s hair for their graduation from MOSAIC, a substance-abuse and mental- health rehabilitation program. In the process, they help build the women’s confidence as they go on to look for jobs and continue their journey to success. “When you look good, you feel good,” said Amendola Penzone. The BBV team has also volunteered services to clients at the Dream Center and Central Arizona Shelter Services, done hair and makeup for kids at the Village Academy of Childhelp for their holiday program and assisted with numerous nonprofit events. This year, BBV partnered with StreetLightUSA, an organization focused on young girls at risk or victims of human trafficking. They hosted 12 girls in the salon ranging in age from 13 to 18 to listen to a speaker, have lunch and receive haircuts and blow dries. “This is why I love helping these girls. Because when I was a teenager and was pregnant, and had my son and became a teenage mom, I could see the look in people’s eyes. They would look at me like, ‘Man, your life is over,’” said Amendola Penzone. “I remember that look. I remember people pitying me. Now, look where I am.” 3 HAIR TIPS FROM VERONICA Always bring pictures to a consultation with a stylist. “You may have different interpretations of gold-blonde, and a picture will help ensure you are on the same page and get the exact color you want.” Curly girls, do not towel dry your hair too much before putting product in. “If you’re leaving your hair curly, you need to have as much moisture in your hair as possible before putting product in, especially around your hairline. This will help the product distribute evenly and give more curl definition. It will also diminish the crunchy feeling after it’s dry.” When blow drying your hair, flip your head over and power dry to get it 85 percent dry, first focusing on the root area. Then use your brush in small sections to finish. “This cuts your blow-dry time in half, plus leaves your hair with much more volume.” 1 2 3

2446 E CAMELBACK ROAD | 602.955.8000 COLOR RUSH GURHAN S pect acul ar Jewel s Br i l l i ant Wat ches 192332_PHOENIX_FRONTDOORS_7.75X4.75_MAG.indd 1 10/15/19 8:45 AM Led by her faith and empathetic spirit, Veronica believes she is where she is today so she can make a difference in the lives of young women. “God has been a big part of guiding me, giving me wisdom, surrounding me with the right people. That’s probably why I give back so much. Because I feel like that could have been me,” said Amendola Penzone. “I want to encourage other young girls and say, ‘Don’t give up when people look at you like your life is over. It’s not.’” Whether in her salon, styling celebrities or volunteering in jails or nonprofits, Veronica is boosting confidence and inspiring her clients to celebrate their individual style. “Helping people discover their own true beauty, making people feel great and embracing that we are all different — that’s the mission,” she said. “It’s not like old times where everyone had to have a beehive. Everybody can look different now and discover their own beauty, no matter who they are.” Catie Richman CONTRIBUTING WRITER styleunlocked .net