Struggling mothers get confidence boost from St. John's beauty business

A St. John's beauty business has partnered with Choices for Youth to help vulnerable young mothers feel better about themselves.

RubyRose Beauty Bar offers free makeovers and other services to women in the Momma Moments program — a support group for mothers facing social and financial challenges.

The services are meant to boost confidence and help the women prepare for important events like job interviews.

"It's that little bit of self-care that most of us moms don't get to take part in, and they probably aren't in a position where they could afford it so, I wanted to give back," said Melanie Crocker, owner of the Duckworth Street salon.

Nicole Seymour got a makeover before going to her six-year-old son's parent-teacher interviews Wednesday.

"I feel like if I appear put together and I appear my fully confident self, I will come off as a good mom," she said.

Seymour, who lives with a mental illness, says it's hard being a young, single mom. She feels like she's often judged. Getting pampered at the beauty bar helps her feel better about herself and that helps her son.

"Not that my looks will help him have a better life but having a confident mom will rub off on his confidence so then he will be more of a confident child," said Seymour.

RubyRose also offers free services to women in the Momma Moments program on their birthdays and other special occasion.

Choices for Youth, which organized the program, is a non-profit group that helps at-risk and homeless youth secure stable housing, education and employment.