SAN ANTONIO – Unique Morgan’s Salon, which offers an array of beauty services for those with and without special needs, officially opened today at Morgan’s MAC (Multi-Assistance Center), 5210 Thousand Oaks in Northeast San Antonio.

On hand were John Paul DeJoria, co-founder of multi-billion-dollar Paul Mitchell beauty products, and Gordon Hartman, founder/chair of Morgan’s and father of Morgan Hartman, inspiration for world-

renowned Morgan’s Wonderland theme park and all the Ultra-Accessible™, fully-inclusive ventures that have followed. The Red Carpet Greeters from the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce presided over a ribbon-cutting, with salon patrons and Morgan’s MAC staff joining in on the festivities.

“Most people take haircuts and other beauty treatments for granted,” Hartman said, “but for those with disabilities and special needs, these treatments truly are a big deal. Morgan’s Salon values each individual’s sensory-sensitive needs by recognizing the person before the service begins and by never forcing, restraining or letting the pressure of time interfere as an individual goes through her or his salon experience.”

Hartman added that salon clients can come as they are and leave feeling empowered and uplifted. In the spirit of inclusion, the salon welcomes clients both with and without disabilities and special needs.

Morgan’s Salon offers an array of haircuts and hair styling as well as manicures and pedicures, said Katrina Venzor-Vargas, salon manager with seven years of cosmetology experience to her credit. A complete menu of services, treatments and prices can be found at www.MorgansMAC.org/Morgans-Salon.

“At Morgan’s Salon, we strive to enhance people’s lives by offering innovative salon services to everyone,” Venzor-Vargas said. “While experiencing our various services, patrons have our complete attention for all sensory-sensitive requests. Our stylists get to know the individual through a thorough, complimentary consultation, then we use our artistry to deliver the best results.”

Morgan’s Salon hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and appointments can be made by calling (830) 286-3373. The salon is conveniently located in Suite 1151 on the first floor of Morgan’s MAC.

Morgan’s Salon clients attending the grand opening offered positive reviews of the salon’s staff

and services.

For Kathy Lopez of San Antonio, who has an autoimmune condition, her visit to Morgan’s Salon was her first beauty shop appointment in four years. “Traditional salon haircutting chairs did not accommodate or make me feel safe to transition back and forth from my wheelchair,” she said. “Katrina Venzor-Vargas offered me two options that put my mind at ease instantly – stay in my chair or utilize the amazing Morgan’s Salon chair.

“My Morgan’s Salon experience is building my confidence and helping me move forward little by little. The free parking, private-access door, salon equipment, aesthetics and space to maneuver in are all contributing factors. However, the treatment and understanding from Katrina was my favorite and most pleasing part of my experience.”

Ileana Cam, mother of 14-year-old Cedrick Hebert of Austin, who has been diagnosed with autism and IDD (intellectual developmental disorder), also praised the Morgan’s Salon environment and staff

following her son’s recent visit.

“During previous haircutting attempts, Cedrick would be melting down and unable to finish his haircut because he was all over the place,” Cam said. “So, it was amazing that he sat still and completed his first professional haircut. The Morgan’s Salon stylist was very patient and attentive. The whole experience made the drive down from Austin worth it.”

Dejoria, special guest for the Morgan’s Salon grand opening and ribbon-cutting, worked with hairstylist Paul Mitchell to co-found John Paul Mitchell Systems (JPMS), now the world’s largest privately- owned professional haircare company. The Austin resident continues to serve as chairman of the company. JPMS brands are available in more than 100,000 hair salons in 115 countries, and there are over 100 Paul Mitchell schools throughout the U. S., with more planned, and two in Europe.

Dejoria and Hartman became friends through involvement in the Giving Pledge, an organization of philanthropists founded by Bill Gates, Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett. Both DeJoria and Hartman are also members of the Texas Business Hall of Fame.

Morgan’s MAC (Multi-Assistance Center) is a key part of Morgan’s, the nonprofit umbrella

organization that coordinates planning, fundraising, marketing and communications for the Morgan’s Wonderland “family” of Ultra-Accessible™, fully-inclusive endeavors. Morgan’s MAC embraces inclusion and provides coordinated medical and non-medical solutions to problems faced by children and adults with special needs. For more information, visit www.Morgans.org.

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Ultra-Accessible™ refers to removing both physical and economic barriers that confront children and adults with special needs. This means that those with and without special needs can come together in fully-inclusive environments for interaction and a better understanding of one another.

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