In our “Give BOLDLY” series, we highlight local residents who are dedicated to making a difference in our communities. From volunteering at a food bank to running a nonprofit, and everywhere in-between, these individuals are passionately giving back through their philanthropic efforts. In this installment, we speak with Lorin and Kyle Van Zandt, co-founders of MISSIO Hair.
TEXT BY JASMINE BIBLE + PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT RAY
MISSIO, taken from the word “mission,” is the brainchild of Lorin and Kyle Van Zandt. Located in Wilmington, North Carolina, MISSIO Hair is part salon, part beauty products, and all heart.
Happily entangled in the beauty industry since the age of 15, Lorin realized early on in her career as a stylist that beauty could be used for a larger purpose. By offering haircuts to the homeless, those in drug rehab centers, and refugees from around the world, she was able to help people in need. To these individuals, who often feel invisible, it was more than a haircut—it was a chance to be seen.
In 2013, Lorin had the life changing opportunity to work with female victims of human trafficking. Meeting women (who had often just been rescued) in a secure location, Lorin would provide haircuts, manicures, and pedicures. “To wash the feet of these women was a humbling experience. These women, who felt no self worth after years of being degraded and forced into sex slavery, finally had a chance for hope and healing. For the first time in a long time, these women began to open up and believe in something new about themselves,” shares Lorin.
Lorin and Kyle decided to dedicate themselves to fighting this injustice. Kyle grew up in a family that was passionate about activism, working to alleviate the orphan crisis in eastern Europe following the collapse of communism. He knew that working alongside Lorin, they could develop a hair product with a purpose.
Now in its fourth year, MISSIO Hair is unlocking the potential of the cosmetic industry to directly fight human trafficking. Their stylist-designed and salon-tested hair products, made with environmentally conscious ingredients, serve as a vehicle for their initiatives: the first being to educate salons in victim identification. With a curriculum created by experts on human trafficking, and resources gathered from local and federal law enforcement officials, MISSIO offers on-the-ground training and weekly webinars. Through these free training sessions, salons are becoming equipped to identify potential victims and connect them with help in their area.
MISSIO’s second initiative is to serve and encourage women who are in recovery from human trafficking. This recovery process can be a long journey, but one that begins with a few small first steps. “Many victims begin this process after years of being abused, coerced, manipulated, and used. We have found that a simple salon service can remind these victims that they have tremendous value and worth, and that the next steps toward recovery are worth taking,” explains Kyle. MISSIO trains stylists on how to connect with victims, showing them love and encouragement. “It becomes more than a basic beauty service; it’s a chance for hope and healing,” adds Lorin.
Lastly, by giving a portion of their hair product sales to nonprofit partners focused on aiding the rescue and restoration of victims, they are able to fight human trafficking while providing amazing hair products to those who want their purchases to matter. Ultimately, consumers who purchase MISSIO products become a part of the solution. “Something as simple as an everyday hair product can contribute to an effective and widespread effort to fight one of the world’s greatest injustices,” says Kyle.
Learn more about how you can give back in our Giving Boldly blog post.
We shared this story with you in our Fall/Winter 2019 Issue of NEST Magazine. To view the full issue, click here.