A Day of Care: Ulta’s ‘Day of Beauty’ Honors Women in Community Violence Intervention

Participants show their products at the end of Ulta’s Day of Beauty.

At the Metropolitan Peace Academy (MPA), the energy is often focused on strategy, training, and the hard work of transforming communities. But on a recent October day, the space carried a different kind of energy: one that was calming, connected, and nurturing.

Thanks to a partnership between Ulta Beauty, Metropolitan Peace Initiatives (MPI), and Metropolitan Family Services (MFS), women working across Communities Partnering 4 Peace (CP4P) organizations were invited to set their responsibilities aside for Ulta’s Day of Beauty, a restorative experience focused entirely on self-care.

Facials, skincare consultations, and soft laughter filled the room as women who spend their days supporting others had the chance to be supported in return.

“I’m very happy that MPI was able to present this opportunity to our women in community violence intervention work,” said Tina Cooper, Director of Training at MPI. “It’s not often that they’re acknowledged, especially in outreach, where there are so few female outreach workers compared to their male counterparts. But the work they do is just as important. They deserve to be celebrated and cared for.”

That acknowledgment meant a great deal to the participants, many of whom carry heavy emotional loads through their daily work. For some, Ulta’s Day of Beauty at the MPA was not only a treat, but a first.

Ulta’s staff teach participants about the products being used for their facials.

“This was a remarkable moment for me,” shared Erica Johnson, Case Manager at Breakthrough Urban Ministries. “It was my first time ever having a facial, and it came at the right time. I didn’t realize how much I needed it until I sat down and let someone take care of me.”

As the morning continued, the space became one of shared reflection and renewal. Women from different neighborhoods and organizations, some meeting for the first time, bonded over both the beauty treatments and the stories behind their work.

“I’m grateful for being chosen to come and be able to relax,” said Tina Freeman, Victim Advocate at Together Chicago. “The products made my skin feel really refreshed. But more than that, I got a chance to meet some new ladies from other organizations, and it reminded me that we’re all connected through the same mission. I’m just really appreciative for today.”

For many, the event was more than a day of pampering. It was a gentle reminder of the importance of self-care in a field where the line between personal and professional life can blur.

“We do so much in this field, and we can hardly take care of ourselves,” reflected Se’keena Louis, Case Manager at the Institute for Nonviolence Chicago. “With my private life and my work life, I’m always meshing the two, and it’s been hard to separate them. Today was great. It gave me a moment to step aside and really put myself first. I needed that.”

For Ulta, MPI and MFS, supporting the Day of Beauty was a meaningful way to honor the women whose everyday CVI work leads to peace efforts across the city.

“We are grateful Ulta chose MPI to offer a day of beauty to the outreach staff that serves the MPI mission,” said Julia Forte, Volunteer and Community Outreach Manager at MFS.

What began as a simple spa day became something deeper, with a shared acknowledgment that healing and restoration help us work toward peace.

But the work never stops. As the women prepared to leave, Louis waved and reminded all, “See you ladies in the field.”

Metropolitan Peace Initiatives is proud to celebrate the life and work of women in community violence intervention (CVI). Read more stories here.