Shellee's Annual White Party Funds College Scholarship for Deserving High School Grad

This year, Boston entrepreneur and philanthropist Shellee Mendes’s annual “White Party”raised funds to provide scholarship assistance to a high school graduate from a local Dorchester family. The rising college freshman at MA College of Art & Design didn’t know the scholarship was coming her way! All present shared in her joy and surprise!

Shellee Mendes is founder, owner and stylist at Salon Monét, the only business on Boston’s celebrated Newbury Street owned by an African American woman. Salon Monét was recently named by Boston.com as one of the Top 15 Businesses on Newbury Street.

“I know what it’s like to struggle to make ends meet and to strive to give your kids the best opportunities possible,” said Shellee. “Sometimes you need a boost! I’m proud and pleased that my “White Party Birthday” is raised funds to give this talented young woman from a hard-working family help with her college costs. I thank everyone who is helping to make her dreams come true!”

Mendes’s annual White Party brings together the local Boston community to celebrate her birthday, while wearing their favorite all-white attire! Each year, Mendes selects a local nonprofit or important cause to benefit from the celebration.

Mendes attributes her desire to give a hand up to those in need to her own lived experience combating poverty, which included living in a Quincy shelter with her two young children. During that time, while holding down a full-time job in the financial district, she free-lanced evenings doing hair at Newbury Street salons. Her skills and personality were recognized, and with support and savings, she opened Salon Monét in 2003, becoming the only African American female hair salon owner on Newbury Street. Mendes now owns two hair salons on that iconic Back Bay street. Organizations that have benefited from past White Party fundraisers include EMPath, Boston Arts Academy Foundation and Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, and more.

Mendes thanks all those who supported this year’s “White Party Birthday Celebration!”

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