Page 10 - Dr Pamela Peeke

Woman of Distinction

LYNELLE LYNCH

Lynelle states: “…We want to help people be well, live longer, • physical abuse
look better and feel happy.” By design, this is the school and • psychological or emotional abuse
salon of the future. “Our future is going to be the constant evo- • sexual assault
lution of beauty and spa education.” • isolation
Lynelle has partnered with Diego Raviglione, her Creative Ar- • controlling all of the victim's money, shelter, time, food, etc.
tistic Director (for all three schools), to further focus on keeping Often, the violent person is a husband, former husband, boy-
an aggressive frame to the school while continuing their quest friend, or ex-boyfriend, but sometimes the abuser is female.
to be the cutting edge of spa and beauty salons. She states: Domestic violence and abuse are common and must be taken
“I’ve surrounded myself with internationally acclaimed spa and very seriously.
beauty experts like Diego, who’s on our staff. For nine years One in four women report that they have been physically as-
he was an international trainer with Graham Webb.” saulted or raped by an intimate partner. These crimes occur in
But this is more than a school of beauty where students and both heterosexual and same-sex relationships. Physical and
trainers work tirelessly to perfect their craft; it is also a place emotional trauma can lead to increased stress, depression,
lowered self-esteem,
and post-traumatic
stress disorder (an
emotional state
of discomfort and
stress connected to
the memories of a
disturbing event).

As the interview
10 wound down I asked
Lynelle if she had
any words of encour-
agement for women
already in business
or thinking about
starting their own
business.
“The strength is
in building your
confidence… for
women to, number
one, find their pas-
where part of their training involves recognition and education sion. And then believe in themselves and have the confidence
in domestic violence against women. Lynelle has become pas- and network and gain a support group of mentors. I didn’t just
sionate about a program named ‘Cut It Out.’ This is a program drop into this business and figure it out all by myself. I have
that teaches salon professionals to recognize signs of domestic surrounded myself with the leaders in the industry whether it’s
abuse and safely refer those clients to people and resources internationally, nationally, professionally or on the school side.
that can help them. Lynelle has worked with the U.S. Depart- When you are passionate about what you do and you care
ment of Justice, the U.S. Attorney’s office and the Office on about making a difference, others will help you.”
Violence Against Women, launching a comprehensive program The academy salon is open to the public and offers a vast array
which includes enhanced student training, public awareness of services. Their website is http://www.sandiegobeautyacad-
and education efforts, fundraising, victim support and public emy.com/ourschools_PA.html
service announcements. The following is one of thousands of
websites that can help and guide women in abusive relation-
ships get the guidance they need to escape the cycle: Business Helping People
http://www.womenshealth.gov/violence/types/domestic.cfm Cullys Restaurant is in the same center as the academy.
Violence against women is epidemic in this country and around Owner Mark Vattimo and his wife, Christine, offer a menu
the world. specifically for the students with special pricing on selected
What is Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence? items. “Most of these students are struggling to make ends
Domestic violence and abuse, also called intimate partner vio- meet. This gives them a little help along the way.” Thanks to
lence, is when one person purposely causes either physical or Christine and Mark. This is business helping people.
mental harm to another, including:
Issue 2, 2009