Self-care in many forms has been a passion for Amber Kinzie throughout her life. Growing up in Springfield, starting at just 9 years old, she often braided hair, did nails, and even skincare for her family members and folks in her community. In addition, her mother would take her along to various outreach centers at a young age. Kinzie encouraged other young girls to get educated on health issues such as HIV and AIDS.
Lately though Kinzie has been busy raising kids, both her own and children in her extended family in the Bay area neighborhood of Springfield. “[Over the years I’ve done] so much for so many people and [I’ve forgotten] about myself…. As women, we’re hard workers, we forget about ourselves.”
She has been wanting to focus again on her many passions and looking to find a way to turn those passions into a possible income source.
When she learned about a pitch contest run by Home City’s Resident Engagement Team on ideas for the best way to “Neighbor Up*,” she was in!
She pitched the idea to have a Poetic Spa Day. “It gives a message, take care of yourself first, because you can’t take care of anything or anyone without taking care of yourself first.” Kinzie says.
The event took place on a Saturday in June from 11am-3pm. Participants enjoyed inspiring poetry readings by local poet Lynette Johnson, as well as manicures, makeup tutorials, and hair braiding tutorials guided by Kinzie and local stylist Meliisa Correa.
“I’ve never done anything like this before. [The application and judging process] was scary but we had a lot of support from Home City and from the community. I got to meet a lot of good people. I got to figure out what my niche is.”
Kinzie is thankful that Home City gave her a platform within which to explore her passions and figure out what she wants to do next in her life, possibly turning that into an income source. “[The folks at Home City] taught me about community and collaborating with other people, and that’s healthy for any type of growth.”
*Neighbor Up creates positive spaces that level the playing field, where everyone has a voice and power is shared. Only then can people tackle tough challenges and begin to create extraordinary neighborhoods where economic and racial justice thrive (from Neighborupcle.org).”