After many months of planning and fund-raising, the Justice & Soul Foundation hosted the grand opening of the Kate Korpi Salon in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on November 22. The Kate Korpi Salon teaches sustainable cosmetology skills to survivors of the sex trafficking industry.

Both Davide Bollati, chairman and owner of Davines, and Josephine Toh, CEO of Derma Essentials attended the event, which was held on the rooftop of the beautiful Suncity Building. To start off the event, guests were given guided tours of the salon, which is located on the sixth floor. The grand opening also featured models showcasing hair and makeup styled by salon staff, and five unique fashion looks.  Overall looks modeled will include professional, casual, evening, party, and trendy.

What started as an idea discussed over a cup of coffee five years ago blossomed into a full day of salon “practice” appointments for the soft opening in July. Kate Korpi Salon has become Cambodia’s premier hair salon, where students learn cosmetology and professional workplace skills from expert trainers from around the globe.  

The Kate Korpi Salon has been developed and is managed by the non-profit Justice & Soul Foundation. The salon has been built thanks to several fundraising efforts, including a successful Fashion SOULstice event held in April that raised just over $47,000. The teaching salon was established to provide its students with the fundamentals of cosmetology (hair, skin, nails, and makeup). Students attending the school include survivors of sex trafficking and those at risk for sexual exploitation.  They do not pay tuition, but are instead awarded scholarships. The program also includes a compensation plan for the students so that they can begin experiencing sustainable financial independence while learning this valuable trade.

The Justice & Soul Foundation works closely with local non-profits to ensure students have access to qualified therapists to address the trauma experienced by the victims while providing problem-solving and life skills necessary for independence and a full transition. A modified version of the Pivot Point cosmetology curriculum, which has been generously donated,is being used with special consideration given to the education levels of the students.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to demonstrate the new talent to invited guests. Our team is eagerly preparing for the fashion show and guided tours, and we’re thrilled to have Davide Bollati and Josephine Toh join us for this very special event. None of this would be possible without the support and generosity of hundreds of friends, family members, colleagues, and businesses around the world,” explained Justice & Soul Foundation Co-Founder Matthew Fairfax.Kate Korpi Salon & Academy is Phnom Penh’s newest premier salon offering a full range of services, including hair, nails, makeup, and skin care, including Dermalogica Microzone treatments.

The Justice & Soul Foundation is a non-profit organization focused on eliminating the sexual exploitation of youth and children globally as well as the restoration of the survivors. Through the Founders’ shared connections to the salon and fashion industry, and, after several years of research, planning and interviews, they are enlisting the support of the beauty industry to create a sustainable, systemic solution that addresses the ongoing effects of sex trafficking.