9 minute read
INFOCUS
BRINGING CONFIDENCE
TO WOMEN IN NEED
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WRITTEN BY SOPHIE OSWALD / PHOTOS BY MELANIE MCDOWELL
Diane Joy Bender has had a passion for hair since she was young. Finding ways to fuel this desire wasn’t difficult. She played with the hair on her dolls and styled any wigs she could get her hands on. After high school she began college, but the courses didn’t resonate with her. Having never forgotten this passion for hair, she made her way to cosmetology school.
Years later, Bender hit a bump in the road when she learned she had breast cancer. “When I was first diagnosed at age 34, I did not know a soul who had ever had breast cancer. I was an anomaly in my family as well,” says Bender. This was a challenging and confusing time in her life that encouraged her to make some changes. She decided to go back to school and finish her communication degree. This allowed her to advocate for women in countless ways.
One experience she looks back on fondly was when she represented the American Cancer Society, testifying in front of the Kansas Senate for legislation to have breast reconstruction be covered by insurance after mastectomy. She has appeared in magazines, on television, and even posed topless in the Topeka Capital Journal. “It impacted the mammography facilities in Topeka to the point women had to book appointments months in advance,” she explains.
Renewing a Passion for Hair
After years focused on giving to the community, Bender found her way back to her first true passion: hair. She opened her own salon and spa called Red Poppy Wigs and Cancer Care Products. She has given up the large audiences and instead is focused on helping women individually.
Consistently meeting new women and helping them through such difficult times is something Bender takes pride in. “I get to make them feel better about how they will look and let them know that there is hope,” Bender adds.
Above: Owner Diane Bender models a selection of wigs, showcasing the power of a wig to highlight a person’s physical qualities.
The first consultation usually lasts about an hour, depending on the needs of each client. New clients sit down with Bender and discuss their lifestyle, hopes, and the way they like to style their hair. This information helps find the perfect wig for each customer.
“I compare wigs to bras. Even within the same brand, different styles fit differently, so I make a point to know the styles well and how they will fit in size as well as how they will flatter the wearer,” explains Bender.
The variety of styles and colors to choose from is nearly endless. Wigs range from brand, style, cut, and color. As with anything else in the beauty industry, new styles are released each year. This salon also offers other cancer care products such as medical grade compression products for lymphedema and headwear. Soon Bender will be adding a locally made skincare line. These products are vegan and free of unwanted ingredients.
“Diane helped me with a hair piece I needed while transitioning my hair to gray. She is very patient and professional,” says client Susan Chadwick. “I truly enjoyed her personal consultation. She was able to help me choose a hair piece that matched my hair perfectly. I felt comfortable with her knowledge and many years of experience. I highly recommend her services,” Chadwick adds.
Bender understands how vital positive self-image can be in keeping energy up during life’s trials. How you look on the outside often plays a role in how you feel. “I love what I do and can’t imagine not doing it. I get a great deal of joy and peace out of helping women and their families. I also enjoy watching them go from terrified to triumphant,” Bender states.
Aside from her ability to relate to clients, Bender is the perfect choice for hair needs as she has been a licensed cosmetologist for 40 years. Whether you have a full head of hair or you are experiencing hair loss due to cancer, alopecia, age, or hormones, you will feel welcome in this salon.
We specialize in Wigs & Alternative Hair Pieces
• Medical Hair Loss • Hormonal & Age-Related Hair Loss
We also carry:
• Compression garments: arm sleeves, tights, knee highs, thigh highs, leggings • Fashion & sleep caps in a variety of styles, colors, and fabrics • Wig care products
Call 913.634.1050
to schedule your private appointment!
Founder, Diane Joy Bender, Certified Wig Master & Medical Grade Compression Garment Fitter for over a decade. 27 year breast cancer survivor with over 40 years experience as a Licensed Cosmetologist. Red Poppy Wigs and Cancer Care Products 12020 Blue Valley Pkwy., Overland Park, KS 913.634.1050 • redpoppykc.com SIMPLYkc Special: Mention this article and receive 20% OFF your first wig purchase.
DearKACIE
WE SAID RE-DO! BUT NO GIFTS
My fiancé and I are marrying this summer. This is the second marriage for both of us. We already have careers, live together, and own more than enough to make our house a home. We’ve decided to elope and don’t wish to receive any gifts. But a few friends told us they’d like to get us a wedding gift anyway. We could make a small registry, but this really isn’t what we want. How do you suggest we handle this?
What?! Everyone needs something from Target! Fine. If it’s what you wish.
If you truly don’t feel like you need gifts, you don’t need to make a registry. If you’re announcing your marriage in the form of a letter, make a note that you don’t wish to receive gifts.
But because many people will want to send something, you could even say it’s optional to make a donation to one of your favorite charities. If you’re planning a small gathering to celebrate after your elopement, make it clear you only wish for their presence.
As you know, friends and family during weddings cannot be controlled, even if you’re eloping. You may still receive gifts. And if you do, have those thank you cards handy. Most people who still want to help you out are doing it out of the kindness of their heart. Be thankful and gracious. You can always donate the gifts to a local charity.
But if you can spare a blender, I need one.
If you have any questions you’d like Kacie to answer, submit them to contact@simplykcmag.com.
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I DON’T BELIEVE IN COLD VACATIONS
WRITTEN BY JULIE BURTON / PHOTO BY MATT MEIER PHOTOGRAPHY
The world is completely different from a year ago. We’re edging closer to a post-pandemic world, but it’s not the same as it was. One thing that changed is the travel industry. Oh yes, a good warm vacation with sand in between your toes, salt in your hair, and maybe a fruity rum drink in your hand is just what 2021 needs.
Here’s what a vacation should not be: COLD. I know we live one state away from some of the best skiing in the world, but just hear me out.
I’ve never seen a mountain. I went to Denver once, but it was cloudy. As I said, I don’t believe in cold vacations. All of my vacation beliefs are traced back to my parents. It’s how I was raised—completely normal. But I do have questions for you:
What happens if I don’t want to get off the ski lift? Can I ride back down? What happens if I don’t want to go down once I’m pushed off the lift? Can I ride on someone’s back and close my eyes? Can you pull me on a sled and I’ll close my eyes?
How many layers of clothes should I wear? How is it even considered a vacation? Vacations are meant for as little clothing as possible. All I’m saying is I’d much rather be nearly naked on a boat.
I swear, if I get left on top of a mountain by myself, I will click off those skis and walk sideways down the mountain. Given the choice of looking crazy side-walking down a mountain in boots or rolling down a mountain in a ball of snow, I’ll take crazy. No, I will not try snowboarding! I’d rather walk sideways.
Are the ski stick thingies a brake? I went skiing once in fifth grade on a hill in Kansas or maybe Missouri. It’s called Snow Creek. My friend’s parents took me with their family. All I remember is being cold and thinking Where’s my mommy? Is Keystone like the cheap-y economy style skiing resort? You know, like the beer. Avalanches are a real thing. Frostbite is a real thing. Mountain lions are a real thing. Me getting my tongue stuck on the bar lift on purpose so I don’t have to go down a mountain is a real thing. I’m not dumb. I’m a realist.
Well, maybe I will try the double black diamond. You don’t know. Maybe I’ll be a natural. Don’t tell me I’m not allowed on the double black diamond. You’re not my father. Then send a helicopter.
Yeah, I’ve seen pictures of people smiling during their ski trip. I feel sorry for them. They look cold. Teeth chattering makes a natural smile.
But it’s 2021. Sure, I’ll go. Why not?
Julie Burton is an Overland Park mom, writer, K-State lover, and bacon-hater. She is a blogger and contributing author to the humor book, But Did You Die?: Setting the Parenting Bar Low. Burton’s also been named one of the Today Show’s “funniest parents.” And yes,
she really does hate bacon. Please don’t drop her as a friend. Follow Julie at: julieburton.blog • facebook.com/julieburtonwriter • twitter.com/ksujulie • instagram.com/ksujulie
