Farren Basson set out to share her passion for hairstyling with schoolgirls in her community.
She had one goal in mind, to uplift and remind young girls that they are beautiful, capable, and deserving of love and care.
On October 11, that vision came to life in a heart-warming event filled with laughter, transformation, and powerful lessons about self-worth.
The idea came to Basson, a 26-year-old finance professional, through prayer and reflection.
Though she has always loved hairstyling as a hobby, she realised it could be a tool for change.
“I’ve always wanted to give back to my community,” she said. “I just didn’t know how. Then one day, after praying about it, God revealed to me that the young girls in our communities need uplifting. I wanted to help them realise that they are not defined by their circumstances.
“Their hair is their crown, and they should wear it with pride.”
From that moment, Uplift Her was born as a community-driven initiative that uses hairstyling as a way to build confidence and restore self-belief in young girls.
Basson’s first event took place at AW Barnes Primary School, where she and her dedicated team of hairstylists gave 50 girls a complete hair makeover.
The school hallway was turned into a buzzing mini salon, filled with music, laughter, and excitement.
Each corner had a station: hair washing, blow drying, flat ironing, and braiding. The girls took turns being pampered, many of them experiencing a professional hair session for the first time.
What started as shy smiles and nervous glances soon turned into wide grins and radiant confidence.
Basson said at first, the girlds didn’t want to take photos “Some were too shy to look in the mirror. But once their hair was done, they couldn’t stop smiling and taking selfies. You could see it in their eyes — they felt good about themselves.” she said.
Basson was joined by a talented volunteer team of stylists: André Rooi, Megan Langeveldt from Studio M Hair & Beauty, Diane, and Bongiwe, all of whom gave their time and energy to make the event unforgettable.
AW Barnes headmistress Nishana Hardavnarain said the initiative was exactly what the school’s pupils needed, a reminder of their worth and potential.
“We were excited to collaborate with Farren because we immediately recognised how meaningful this would be for our pupils,” Hardavnarain said.
“The makeovers did more than change their appearance; they changed how the girls saw themselves. You could see their posture change; they stood taller, smiled brighter, and carried themselves with pride.”
Hardavnarain said the school would love to continue partnering with Uplift Her and similar initiatives that nurture emotional and personal growth.
“We often focus on academics, but we forget that children also need emotional nourishment. Initiatives like this build the sort of self-belief that can change a young person’s entire trajectory,” she said.
For Basson, hearing that sort of feedback confirms her mission. She believes Uplift Her is just the beginning of something much greater. “It’s one of the most rewarding feelings, to know that I was part of something that made a girl smile again or see herself differently,” she said.
She hopes to visit more schools across East London, spreading encouragement and inspiration through the simple act of care. “You don’t need to have much to make a difference,” she said. “Start with what you have, your time, your skill, your heart. Even if you touch five lives, that’s five lives changed.”
Basson expressed gratitude to her sponsors and supporters, including Premier FMCG East London, The Food Mart in Nahoon, Studio M Hair & Beauty, Masithethe Counselling Services, and Home of Eleos.
“Uplift Her does not mainly focus on hair makeovers. It’s about helping young girls realise that their value isn’t determined by their surroundings.
“Every crown deserves to shine, and we’re here to make sure it does.”
