#USA #Chicago #Burd Beauty #Shear Haven #Teen Dating Violence

Teen Sisters Launch Burd™ Beauty: A Life-Saving Hair Care Initiative

In a revolutionary move, two teenage sisters from Chicago have united to tackle the serious issue of teen dating violence through their new hair care brand, Burd™ Beauty. Founded by 17-year-old Leah Burdeen, 15-year-old Misha Burdeen, and their mother, Julie Smolyansky, the brand aims to create awareness and drive systemic change concerning domestic violence, all while promoting clean and cruelty-free beauty products.

Burd™ Beauty's mission is not just about marketing shampoo and conditioner; it seeks to build a network of informed beauty professionals who can provide support to those at risk. Each product sold aims to fund training for hairdressers to recognize signs of abuse, thereby creating a front-line defense against domestic and teen dating violence. This initiative is made possible through a partnership with Shear Haven, a Nashville-based organization dedicated to educating hairstylists and transforming salons into safe havens for survivors.

Misha Burdeen emphasizes the urgency of the issue, stating, "Dating violence has become far too normalized in our society, especially for teens. We've built a brand that's more than hair care; it's about community, conversations, and empowerment. Every bottle helps protect someone from harm, turning simple self-care into profound community care."

Leah Burdeen, also a co-founder, echoes this sentiment, noting the crucial role of hairstylists as trusted confidants who can influence their clients' lives in meaningful ways. The sisters have drawn upon Shear Haven’s successful strategies and have aimed to extend this vital mission to youth across the country, facilitating discussions on healthy relationships and identifying warning signals.

The Burd™ Beauty line currently features two essential products: the Soothing Vanilla Cashmere Shampoo and the Soothing Vanilla Cashmere Conditioner. Both are crafted from clean, cruelty-free ingredients that are gentle on hair while also being eco-friendly, packaged in recycled materials free from harmful additives. Each bottle carries vital resources like the toll-free number for the National Domestic Violence Hotline, ensuring that support is readily accessible.

The inspiration behind Burd™ Beauty stemmed from a shared concern for unhealthy relationships often dismissed as 'normal' by young people. When Leah and Misha noticed this trend, they turned to their mother, Julie—herself a survivor and a recognized leader in the fight against violence toward women. Julie has vast experience as a former CEO and an advocate for social responsibility, making her an integral part of this multi-faceted mission. She brings along her unique insights, having co-authored Chicago's first teen dating violence prevention curriculum back in 1991.

Reflecting on their mission, Julie said, "One in four women will experience violence from a partner, and young women are at the greatest risk. I've witnessed firsthand the lack of resources for young people, and through Burd Beauty, we aim to equip the next generation with tools for change—all from everyday beauty products."

Burd™ Beauty's efforts resonate with wider legislative changes, such as new laws in Tennessee and Illinois mandating domestic violence training for hairstylists. The company is also advocating for the SALONS Stories Act at the federal level to ensure that stylist education on these issues becomes a standardized practice.

Utilizing social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok (@getburd), Burd™ Beauty has created open channels for discussion on topics ranging from teen dating violence prevention to the importance of resilience among peers, effectively transforming the narrative around these critical issues.

Burd™ Beauty products are now available for purchase through their website, burdbeauty.com, as well as on TikTok Shop and Instagram, with plans for a broader retail launch in the near future. This combination of beauty and advocacy exemplifies a new frontier where self-care meets social responsibility. The Burd sisters look promisingly forward to an era where their brand doesn’t just amplify beauty but also facilitates essential conversations around healing and advocacy.