styleWORKS client Mitti Brifu
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styleWORKS exists to service women who are on the incredible journey from welfare to private sector employment. These women are referred to us after they have successfully completed a job training program and are at the point of interviewing for employment. Once they are referred to the program and become "clients" they are forever a part of the styleWORKS family. To say that we are proud of their accomplishments is an understatement.

We service women from all walks of life and who come to us with different experiences. Some of our clients have been on welfare for six months, while others have been away from the workforce for 5, 10, or 15 years. Our clients have had to struggle and overcome domestic abuse, homelessness, incarceration, a death of a loved one, drug addiction, and lack of an education. But when they arrive in one of our salons for their makeover, they have graduated from their respective training programs with flying colors and are on their way to their first job interview. It is truly a wonderful experience and honor to partner with our clients during this important time in their lives.

We have had the privilege of assisting over 1000 clients since our inception in October 1999, and some of them are now working at a myriad of companies, including Tiffany & Co., Bell Atlantic, SunMicro Systems, Chase Manhattan Bank, and Time Warner Cable to name just a few.

Each month, we highlight a past client who is now successfully working. We want you to understand the styleWORKS experience from her viewpoint and to learn about how her life has changed since she has moved from welfare to private sector employment.

Meet Nicole Walker!

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after

"styleWORKS helped me 100% both personally and professionally! While a participant in the Job Placement Training Program at The Nexus Project, I was selected to receive a styleWORKS makeover. I was told I was selected based on my commitment to the program, as well as my strong attendance record."

"Before The Nexus Project, I was a single mother on public assistance. I had two children, one of which was a newborn. Right after my child's birth, I was not feeling too good about my appearance. My self-esteem was low. My financial situation did not allow me the opportunity to spend money on myself for trips to the hair salon or to purchase cosmetics."

"The styleWORKS makeover opportunity came as such a pleasant surprise! I thought it was too good to be true! This would be something just for me to enjoy. Having my hair and make up done really helped my self-esteem. It also enabled me to become more employable. As a result of my styleWORKS makeover and obtaining employment, I was partnered with a styleWORKS mentor who works at Clairol. My mentor has given me both career and personal growth guidance, as well as important information pertaining to financial matters and investing."

"During my training with the Nexus Project, I was approached by an executive member of the staff to interview for the Clerical Assistant position in the office. After undergoing an extensive interview process with the Nexus staff, I was selected for the position. After only 5 months, I was promoted to my current position as a Career Advisor. In my role as a Career Advisor, I am responsible for guiding and tracking our customers through their 12-week training program. This position requires me to assist them in overcoming any barriers that may prevent them from being successful in reaching their goals."

— Nicole Walker
Career Advisor, The Nexus Project

Nicole's advice for women making the transition from welfare to work: "Be patient. Believe in yourself and know that your current situation will not last forever."

Nicole's advice on moving up the ladder: "Again believe in yourself, first and foremost. Set attainable goals and strive for what you believe in."

To read previous client profiles, please click here.

Click here to see additional before and after pictures of amazing styleWORKS clients.