For four years, Giving Hands Hair Salon owner Vanessa Howard has given free makeovers to local women and girls in need. She has helped 275 homeless women and girls by giving them trims, facials and manicures in that time span. 

Before becoming an entrepreneur, Howard and her three daughters were homeless. Her situation wore her down to a point where she contemplated suicide.

The Tampa Bay, Florida, resident once only had a $1.75 in her pocket until her life changed when she met a man who gave her an affordable place to stay. 

When she was down and out, one person gave her a helping hand and she feels obligated to pay it forward. It took her a few years working at other salons to save the funds to start her own.

“A woman came to me one time. She walked through the door and sat in my chair to get her eyebrows done. She grabbed my hand and started crying before I could even start the service,” Howard told WFTS ABC Action News. “She said to me, ‘no one has ever called me beautiful before. I’m 62 and no one has ever said that to me. Thank you.’”

Now, she helps students during her back to school event "Feel Like a Princess for a Day" and work with local church group Metropolitan Ministries to get women back on their feet and to find jobs. 

“Giving is contagious and that’s why I encourage people to give,” said Howard. “Whether you’re a business owner, no matter what you do. Always look to be a blessing and to help someone.”