Moms Are Queens For A Day

Published: May 10, 2008

BRANDON - Shari Bowers, her blond hair wrapped in sections around a halo of jumbo rollers, settled under a dryer Monday at All About Beauty on Mason Street.

"This is the best Mother's Day present I've ever gotten," said Bowers, one of seven women selected by the salon staff to receive a day of free beauty services including haircuts and styles, facials, waxing, manicures, pedicures and makeup applications. The women also were treated to lunch by Arby's restaurant on State Road 60 and received gifts from local businesses.

Salon owner Octavia Stoppa in April invited people to write or e-mail her describing why a mother they know deserves a day of pampering.

Stoppa said the letters she received were brimming with heartfelt sentiment and inspiring anecdotes. The seven most inspiring letters earned those moms free makeovers in honor of Mother's Day.

"I was glad they were able to write and talk about their stories because that's how you help heal yourself," Stoppa said.

She said she thought free makeovers would be a nice gesture and inspire more good deeds.

"I'd like to 'pay it forward' so they will end up doing something nice for someone else in the future," she said.

After about four hours of indulgence and relaxation, the winners were sent home with prepared dinners for their families by Honey Baked Ham.

The following are excerpts from the winning letters about Bowers, Mikki Bragg, Lillian Buchanan, Silvia Dixon, Marci Hammons, Traci Hatton and Janet Moucha. All got their makeovers Monday, except Hammons and Dixon, who will schedule theirs later.