It doesn't matter what age or what walk of life, everybody loves to be pampered. Gloria Owczarski knows that, which is why she's made it her duty to organize and lead “A Day of Beauty” for young adults from Atlanta area high school special education classes and their teachers, many of whom have never been in a salon.

A former salon manager, Gloria dedicates herself to giving one glorious day of makeovers every year to special needs youth and their teachers. She works all year long recruiting stylists to donate their services and a local salon to donate the space. When Gloria started “A Day of Beauty” seven years ago, 20 from the Special Olympics swim team she coaches got makeovers. This year, “A Day of Beauty” will serve over 300 students and teachers at no cost to the participants.
For Gloria, “A Day of Beauty” is about building confidence and helping the participants feel proud of themselves. Gloria shares, “This event is very close to my heart. My sister has Down's syndrome and she is my inspiration. I have been a Special Olympics swim coach for the past 10 years and I do this event for them.” Gloria knows being pampered makes the students and teachers involved feel like someone cares. For Gloria Owczarski, it's personal.

Gloria’s nominators could not say enough about her or “A Day of Beauty,” as Gloria not only serves the program’s participants, their teachers and parents, but she also gives individuals in the beauty industry and the surrounding community an opportunity to give back. One of Gloria’s nominators shared, “Gloria allows many of these students and teachers to experience a day where they are the stars, leaving with confidence in themselves. Not only are the participants treated to such a beautiful day, the volunteers know they have truly made a difference in the lives of these people - how much better can you get?!”

Gloria Owczarski is a beautiful woman who develops confidence in the special needs young adults in her community and mobilizes industry professionals and community partners to pay it forward by making a day of memories and happy smiles for a very special group of kids.