My name is Lea, and I have finally gotten up the courage to ask for financial help to pursue my lifelong dream. I have been a stay at home mom and I am a recovering alcoholic. I put my dreams on hold and let life and my addiction impede living a life I love living. 

Now, I am sober and with your help I want to be an example for my children and others; that it is never too late, you are never too old to pursue your dream. I have had this dream for 32 years. It is about time I at least try to make it a reality. 

I have tried different jobs thinking I could make them a career only to find myself in debt. I always come back to beauty school and dream about what if?! And thanks to a man who asked me in an interview, “do you want a career or a job?” I felt really silly but asked, “What is the difference?” He replied, “A job is something you have to do, a career is something you love to do.” I want to love what I do and do what I love and I need your help to make that dream a reality.

I want to thank you in advance for your donation and I look forward to cutting your hair and making you feel beautiful in the future.

Here's how I came up with the amount of the donation:

School Supplies, Kit, and Tuition Costs: $23,268.59 + $1163.43 = $24,432.02

Tuition: $18,827.00

Application Fee (nonrefundable): $100.00

Registration Fee $50.00

Technical Kit $3,344.09

Textbooks (nonrefundable) $209.00

Sales Tax $379.47

Handling Fees (nonrefundable) $119.03

Testing Fee (nonrefundable) $140.00

Drop Fee $100.00

Go Fund Me Fee: $1163.43 (which is 5% of donation amount $23,268.59 x .05 = &1163.43)

Living expenses: $25,000 ( This would be a bonus and a great start to saving for my future salon)