Beauty with Heart Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting foster and underserved youth through community events, self-care initiatives, mentorship, scholarships and meaningful experiences that remind every child they are valued, seen and loved. President and co-founder Jen Dexter Edsall tells us more.
WHAT IS THE FOUNDATION’S MISSION?
Our mission is to restore confidence, create hope and build lasting connections within our community.
HOW DID THE FOUNDATION COME ABOUT?
Having spent my childhood in the foster-care system, I know firsthand how important it is for a child to feel seen, supported and loved. My co-founder, Lauren Riley Dubuisson, and I wanted to create something that would unite our community around that purpose. We combined our passion for giving back with our backgrounds in the beauty industry to create an organization focused on making a lasting impact in the lives of local children. What started as a shared vision has quickly grown into a community-wide effort supported by volunteers, local businesses and generous donors.
WHO LEADS YOUR FOUNDATION?
Our organization is led by a dedicated board of directors and supported by an incredible network of volunteers, local businesses and community members. We welcome anyone with a heart for serving others. Our mission is inclusive, and we believe everyone has something valuable to contribute.
WHAT’S NEW AND EXCITING WITH YOUR FOUNDATION?
We recently hosted our very first Blow Out-A-Thon fundraiser, bringing our community together and raising more than $2,600 for foster children. Our next event, Jeepin’ for a Christmas Wish, will help fund our Christmas celebration for approximately 240 foster children in Harrison County. Our goal is to create annual events that unite the community while making a meaningful difference in children’s lives.
HOW IS YOUR FOUNDATION MAKING A POSITIVE IMPACT?
Our focus is creating moments that remind children they are loved, valued and never forgotten. Whether it’s providing Christmas gifts, self-care experiences, educational opportunities or community support, we want all children to know they are more than the circumstances they’ve faced. The incredible support we’ve already received from local businesses, volunteers and community members shows what can happen when people unite for a common purpose.
HOW DOES YOUR FOUNDATION EMPOWER OR SERVE WOMEN IN PARTICULAR?
As a women-led nonprofit, Beauty with Heart Foundation is built on the belief that when women support one another, entire communities grow stronger. Lauren, owner of Third Gen Salon + Spa, has created a business that empowers women while giving back to the community. As a licensed esthetician, I’ve had the privilege of helping people build confidence every day through skincare. Together, we’ve learned that true beauty goes far beyond appearance; it’s about making people feel seen, valued and loved.
My life is proof that your past does not define your future. Having spent my childhood in the foster-care system, I know that no matter what you’ve been through, you can overcome obstacles, build a meaningful life and turn your dreams into reality.
WHAT HAVE YOU HAVE LEARNED OR GAINED PERSONALLY THROUGH YOUR FOUNDATION?
I’ve learned that healing often comes through helping others. Turning my own experiences into something that brings hope to children has been one of the most meaningful journeys of my life. I’ve also learned that when a community comes together with a shared purpose, incredible things can happen.
WHAT ARE THE FOUNDATION’S GOALS OR HOPES GOING FORWARD?
Our goal is to expand beyond holiday events by offering scholarships, mentorship opportunities, self-care initiatives and additional resources for foster and underserved youth throughout the year. We hope Beauty with Heart Foundation becomes a lasting source of hope and support for children across the Coast.
WHAT DOES YOUR FOUNDATION DO WELL, AND WHAT IS IT SEEKING TO IMPROVE?
One of our greatest strengths is bringing people together around a shared purpose. As a new nonprofit, we’re focused on increasing community awareness, building partnerships, expanding our volunteer base and creating sustainable funding so we can continue serving even more children.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD OUR AUDIENCE KNOW ABOUT YOUR FOUNDATION?
Beauty with Heart Foundation is about more than hosting events, it’s about changing lives through kindness, compassion and community. Every donation, volunteer, sponsor and supporter becomes part of a child’s story. Together, we’re proving that when a community leads with heart, it has the power to change lives.
WANT TO HELP?
Jeepin’ for a Christmas Wish will be held on Sept. 26, from 5-9 p.m. at Coastal Daiquiri Bar & Grill in Long Beach. This Christmas-themed fundraiser will feature live music by Lil Danny, a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle and a festive Jeep display.
Jeep owners are encouraged to decorate their Jeeps for Christmas and join in the fun, but everyone is welcome to attend whether they own a Jeep or not.
All proceeds will benefit Beauty with Heart Foundation’s first annual Christmas with Heart Party, where more than 240 local foster children will receive Christmas gifts and enjoy a memorable holiday celebration.