Mel Jay
We Are Coming
For Her Foundations Program
A fully funded 12-week employment readiness pathway for women ready to rebuild confidence, structure, and opportunity.
What is this program?
For Her Foundations is a structured 12-week program designed to support women who are ready to build routine, confidence, and practical workplace skills within a supportive trauma-informed salon environment.
This programme combines:
• Employment readiness
• Customer service training
• Personal development and therapeutic tools
• Confidence building
• Communication skills
• Personal standards and routine building
• Connection with other wāhine
• Work ready clothes provided through Dress 4 Success partnership
• Introductory lash and beauty skill development
• Mentorship and pathway planning
The goal is simple:
To bridge the gap between survival and sustainable employment.
Dress for Success Partnership
We’re incredibly excited to be partnering with Dress for Success Christchurch as part of the For Her programme.
Dress for Success is an amazing Christchurch organisation dedicated to helping women build confidence and move towards employment and financial independence through practical support, career guidance, and professional styling services. Their mission goes far beyond clothing. They help women feel prepared, capable, and confident as they step into new opportunities.
As part of this partnership, participants in our programme will have access to a private one-on-one styling appointment where they can work with a stylist to select clothing that suits their goals, personality, and circumstances. This includes access to quality clothing, shoes, accessories, jewellery, and other essentials to help them feel confident and work-ready. Appointments are delivered with dignity, respect, and complete confidentiality.
For us, this partnership aligns perfectly with our kaupapa. Reintegration isn’t just about employment skills. It’s about rebuilding confidence, identity, and self-belief. We’re incredibly grateful to be working alongside an organisation that understands the powerful connection between how we feel about ourselves and our ability to move forward.
Who is this for?
For Her Foundations is open to women & rangatahi who:
• Are 18+
• Are unemployed or underemployed
• Are ready to commit to growth and structure
• Can attend once weekly for 12 weeks
We especially welcome women who are rebuilding after:
• Domestic violence
• Addiction recovery
• Incarceration
• Generational poverty
• Systemic employment barriers
You do not need to be perfect.
You just need to be willing.
For Her Foundations is not only for women who want to pursue beauty long term.
The salon environment is simply the setting — a structured, supportive space to rebuild confidence, routine, and workplace readiness.
Whether participants move into beauty, retail, study, or another industry entirely, the goal is the same: to regain momentum in an environment that understands the nuances of rebuilding and healing.
Program details
Duration: 12 Weeks
Days: 1 Day Per Week (Mondays)
Time: 10:30am – 2pm
Location: For Her Salon, Spreydon. Christchurch
Cohort Size: 5-6 participants
This programme is fully funded through community support.
What you'll gain
By the end of the programme, participants will:
• Understand professional workplace standards
• Build confidence in customer communication
• Personally develop your identity beyond your past
• Develop structured daily habits & routines
• Gain introductory lash and beauty skills including a basic kit
• Create a CV and employment pathway plan
• A professional wardrobe from Dress 4 Success
• Beauty and hair self care confidence
• Connected with a supportive and empowering group
• Receive guidance around employment options and next steps
• Receive a certificate of completion and an employment/character reference for your CV
Commitment & Expectations
For Her Foundations is a structured programme.
Participants are expected to:
• Attend at least 80% of sessions
• Arrive on time and stay for the whole session
• Follow dress and professionalism standards
• Respect confidentiality
• Be open to feedback and growth
• This is a re-integration salon so must not be under the influence of any substances when at the program
This is a supportive but accountable environment.
Why?
For Her exists because too many women are left rebuilding alone.
Leaving violence, addiction, or hardship is one step.
Rebuilding identity, income, and opportunity is another.
This programme was created to offer a bridge.
A space that is safe, structured, and focused on forward movement without dismissing what you've experienced and acknowledging the hardships that can come across your path while you navigate your journey we are here to support and empower you even through the hard moments.
Application process
Spots are limited to maintain a safe and supportive environment. If this feels aligned, we encourage you to apply.
How to apply:
Step 1: Complete the application form
Step 2: Short phone interview
Step 3: Confirmation of acceptance
Applications close: FULL
Next cohort begins: Monday 27th July - our next cohort is full please subscribe to our email list to hear about our next program intake.
If you'd like to go on the waitlist or have any questions please send an email to hellomeljay@gmail.com or if you're ready to apply please apply below.