Salon Owner Gives Back to Veterans

When Geri Beth Stigen opened her new Shorewood salon, she knew she had a chance to do something bigger than perms and hair treatments.

Stigen, whose brother just returned from three tours in Iraq, has seen the toll military conflict can have on families. Her brother Jeremy, who joined the Marines in 2003, has battled post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and other issues since returning back to civilian life.

So for the grand opening ceremony at Get Dolled Up, Stigen decided to help Dryhootch, a local coffee shop and non-profit organization that helps veterans and their families with a variety of reintegration issues. 

Stigen said she hopes the grand opening ceremony will raise awareness of the work Dryhootch is doing in the area and raise money for Dryhootch to build a cafe closer to her brother in the Fond du Lac area.

"I feel like people don't understand or get what's happening with veterans," Stigen said. "I know there are a lot of other veterans in my brother's position, but there's not a place for them to get together and talk about their experience. At Dryhootch, they have a support system."

The grand opening ceremony will be held at the salon at 4312 N. Oakland Ave. on Friday, October 11 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Donations made to Dryhootch during the event will honor Kevin Rock – a popular stylist in the Milwaukee area who passed away in May. He was most recently a stylist at Salon Divine, which has transformed into Get Dolled Up under Stigen's ownership.

In addition to donations made at the event, the salon will also donate 10 percent of all sales to Dryhootch for the month of October. Veterans, active duty military and dependents are also eligible to receive a discount on all future services.

Guests will be treated to gourmet hors de ’oeuvres and beverages while enjoying free mini-services including brow shaping, face bronzing, makeup demonstrations and at-home holiday styling tips. A limited number of guests will receive complimentary gift bags stuffed with the season’s hottest hair products. All attendees can register to win product gift sets and discounted services. 

There is no fee to attend, and all are welcome. Interested parties should RSVP to info@getdolledupmke.com  or 414-943-9456.