Cranford Salon Cuts Hair to Save 'TaTas'

Nicole Pepe participated in the three-day Susan G. Komen breast cancer walk for the cure last year. The total distance was 60 miles, a personal goal for Pepe.

“I wanted to do something good,” Nicole Pepe said. “I know friends and distant family members [dealing with breast cancer] and it effects so many other people, I felt like I really needed to do something.”

Inspired by her daughter’s hard work and noble cause, Edie Pepe, owner of Nicole Michelle Hair Spa, wanted to get involved and make a bigger impact with a bigger team.

The hair spa hosted its first annual Cut-a-Thon on Sunday to raise funds for the seven women walking this year.

“I know too many people personally, and lost some very dear friends,” Edie Pepe said.  

The event raised $2,400. All proceeds went towards the $20,000 goal team Nicole Michelle hopes to reach. 

Funds were collected from the profits of haircuts, including the personal tips each hair stylist received.

The ladies of Nicole Michelle also sold t-shirts with unique slogans such as “early detection =’s boobie protection. Touch yourself today” and "big or small we love them all, save the TaTas." A 50-50 raffle was also used to collect money and offered prizes including a Mary Kay make-up case.

“We’re hoping to reach five grand today,” Edie Pepe said.

Pink balloons, ribbons and candles were displayed around the salon to honor those who survived or to remember those who passed away from breast cancer.

“You just get so emotionally involved,” Edie Pepe said. “I know too many people personally, and lost some very dear friends.”

Salon employee Holly Melao is also walking with Edie and Nicole Pepe.

“I have a personal family history of breast cancer,” Melao said. “And I carry the gene mutation. My goal is to get the word out about early detection. Stop it before it starts.”

Nicole Hernandez is walking to support two surviving family members.

“I’m dedicating my walk to my grandmother, Betty Martin, and my sister-in-law, Clara Hernandez.”

A special dedication was made to Denise Shea, who lost her battle this July due to a reoccurrence of breast cancer. She was the wife of one of the salon's clients.

The team members are preparing mentally and physically for the 60-mile walk, and looking for the support of family and friends.

They will accept donations up to two weeks after the walk. Anyone interested in supporting the cause is welcome to contact the salon.

“Next year we’ll be starting it again,” said Edie Pepe. “And we’ll need Cranford locals to get involved with us.”