AN AESTHETICS practitioner from Barry who launched a new charity venture to help cancer patients maintain their appearance during and after treatment is preparing to move to larger premises because of huge demand.
Three years ago, Catalina Sirena Payne, who owns White Lies Aesthetics Lounge on High Street, Barry, wanted to do something to help people suffering hair loss due to chemotherapy and began offering free specialised eyebrow and eyelash treatments, along with permanent makeup and scalp pigmentation.
Catalina initially offered the free treatments to two or three cancer patients per month, but as word spread around the community, she was astounded by the level of demand.
As a result, in August last year Catalina set up ‘The Rose Project’ as a means of turning it into a full-time charity venture, and less than a year later, she is preparing to move to bigger premises: “This began as a sideline to my main business, but it’s been taking up more and more of my time.
“I absolutely love the work that we do because we lift the spirits and give dignity to people who are going through a very difficult time in their lives.
“It’s really humbling for us, and there are some very emotional moments, such as when a person going through chemotherapy gets to see their new eyebrows for the first time,” she said.
Catalina paid tribute to the way local cancer treatment centres have engaged with The Rose Project to help patients. She said: “We have a fantastic referral system with the Breast Centre in Llandough Hospital and with Velindre Cancer Care.
“We offer cancer patients and survivors 100% free treatment. I’ve now got three tattoo artists and we’re short of space at our current base because it took off more than anyone expected.
“I’m going to keep the tattoo studio on High Street for my commercial business, but as of later this month, the Rose Project charity venture will be based at Holton Road,” she said.
Catalina is going through the legal process of registering The Rose Project as a charity, which is taking longer than she anticipated, and she insists that she is not seeking financial donations for the time being: “I’m being careful to do everything legally and correctly, therefore I cannot allow the organisation’s income to go beyond £5,000 per year until everything’s been properly registered, so I ask that people please do not send money at the moment.
“We’re getting referrals all the time from Llandough and Velindre, where the nurses tell patients about the free services we offer, so I’m working with Business Wales to make sure we’re registering everything properly,” she said.
The new premises, at 19 Holton Road, will officially open on Saturday, 22nd July. Members of the public who book aesthetic treatments on the day will receive a 30% discount, and a further 30% will go directly to The Rose Project.
At 5.30pm, the grand opening will take place with DJ Catrina Davies playing a set.
Catalina says it will be a day to remember: “We’ve had to delay the launch of the new premises because I’ve been unwell recently, but I’m feeling much better now and this event will be about marking all we’ve achieved together.
“I’m also delighted that my mother will be flying over from her home in California to be with us. She is a nurse and works with cancer patients, so she has a deep understanding of the value of the services we offer.”
To find out more or to get involved, visit: https://www.facebook.com/TheRoseProjectBarry
Other items to read:
- Former Barry office building transformed into vital new homes
- Prolific thief banned from entering shops in Barry
- I’m proud that all parties agreed on children in care plan
- Royal Welsh highlights the role of the rural economy
- Parent may have to lose job for school run
⭐ All of our social media in one handy place – here
Former Barry office building transformed into vital new homes
Prolific thief banned from entering shops in Barry
I’m proud that all parties agreed on children in care plan
WHEN you elected me in May, I said I had come to listen and to…
Royal Welsh highlights the role of the rural economy
Parent may have to lose job for school run
Double victory for Pencoed cricketers
