The Stellenbosch branch of a beauty store recently started an initiative which aims to assist 12 local underprivileged matric girls by sponsoring makeovers for their matric balls. This is according to Zandré Isaacs, manager of The Body Shop Stellenbosch. Isaacs explained that the initiative was inspired by the brand’s Self Love Uprising campaign.
A matric ball experience they deserve
Isaacs will be approaching surrounding schools in Stellenbosch and will, with the help of school principals and staff, identify girls from each school throughout the year, depending on when their respective matric balls are.
The Body Shop Stellenbosch’s sponsorships to local underprivileged girls will “assist with building self-esteem and the feeling of being happy with your own character and abilities”, according to Zandré Isaacs, manager of the store. PHOTO: Karla de Bod
“There are many deserving students whose personal circumstances make it impossible for them to have the matric ball experience they often see from other schools,” shared Sam Juan Pietersen, teacher at Stellenzicht Secondary School, one of the schools that Isaacs hopes to collaborate with. “A matric ball sponsorship would mean the world to some learners as many cannot afford the ‘glitz and glam’ associated with matric balls.”
Isaacs stated that she will leave the selection of the girls in the principal and staff’s hands, as “they know their pupils best and they know who are in need of such sponsors”.
Self-love among young women
As a young woman and the mother of a young tween girl, the Self Love Uprising campaign is “near to [Isaacs’] heart”, she stated.
Tamlin Lewis (left), an employee at The Body Shop Stellenbosch, and Zandré Isaacs (right), manager of the store, shared that The Body Shop Stellenbosch’s new initiative aims to transform self-doubt into self-love among young women and girls. PHOTO: Karla de Bod
“Many [matric girls] feel as if they are not good enough, smart enough or pretty enough,” said Isaacs. “Grade 12 is already a very stressful year academically and we at The Body Shop would like to relieve some stress by helping more underprivileged girls feel special and look beautiful on the day [of their matric ball].”
Enhancing confidence among youth
Three staff members of The Body Shop will be doing full-face makeup for the chosen girls at their shop in Eikestad Mall, Stellenbosch, using the brand’s makeup and skincare products. This is according to Tamlin Lewis, one of the staff members.
The Body Shop Stellenbosch’s matric ball sponsorships will include free makeovers done by staff members of the store, using the brand’s makeup and skincare products, according to Tamlin Lewis, an employee at the store. PHOTO: Karla de Bod
Isaacs hopes to collaborate with local hairdressers and nail technicians to join the campaign. “As a community, I believe we can make these girls’ [matric ball] dreams a reality.”