ABOUT US
Shear Advantage is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people in Guatemala by teaching them the skills of hairdressing. Our workshops consist of intensive programs in which we teach small groups, primarily women, cosmetology with a focus on haircutting. Our workshops serve as a starting point for their new careers in hairstyling, helping them earn a living within their communities. Volunteer stylists and translators teach the workshops.
Shear Advantage is also working to help students start their new careers, whether it’s setting up a small salon, working from home, or connecting them with salons seeking staff. We are grateful for the support of our partners in Guatemala, who provide us with their expertise, helping us to offer ongoing education to our students.
Your donations help us to continue our work. Contributions of scissors, capes, clips, and combs for the student kits come from individual stylists and companies. We also rely on monetary donations, which cover the cost of any tools we have yet to receive through donations. Regardless of size, every contribution makes a difference, and we are deeply grateful for your support.
ABOUT OUR FOUNDER
Mhairi Loeb, a stylist with 18 years of experience, founded Shear Advantage. Mhairi is passionate about sharing her skills and knowledge with women in Guatemala. She focused on Guatemala because of the significant need to help women learn a valuable trade. Many women we work with have never had the opportunity to complete high school, and some have never even attended high school. This is one of the reasons why hairdressing skills are so valuable—being a stylist is a rewarding career that relies on hands-on skills and does not require extensive reading or writing abilities. During the workshops, we also teach basic business skills, enabling students to budget, charge for their time, and price their services appropriately. Mhairi has had a fulfilling career as a stylist and business owner. She loves passing on her knowledge to the women in Guatemala, leaving a piece of her heart behind each time she travels there.
Shear Advantage is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization registered in the state of Colorado.
