ROSEBORO — Every Tuesday, the chairs inside Marshell Boykin’s salon become more than a place for a haircut or shampoo. They become a place where confidence is rebuilt, dignity is restored and, for a little while, life’s burdens become lighter.
Fresh off celebrating the grand opening of her new Roseboro salon, The Beauty House, with a community ribbon-cutting ceremony, Boykin is turning her attention toward what she believes is an even greater purpose — launching the “Restore the Crown Project,” a community outreach initiative that will provide free grooming services to homeless individuals, senior citizens and people living with disabilities.
For Boykin, the project is not about hairstyles — it’s about humanity.
“We are actually providing services to the homeless, the disabled and senior citizens,” Boykin explained. “The motivation comes from seeing it every day. There isn’t enough help, and grooming is something people need in everyday life. Some people haven’t even had someone touch their hair in who knows how long.”
A simple shampoo, conditioning treatment or haircut may seem routine to many people, but Boykin sees those moments differently.
“That can help bring their confidence back,” she said. “It can even help somebody get a job. We’re trying to help people feel better about themselves.”
Her vision reaches beyond appearances.
Personal grooming often serves as one of the first steps toward rebuilding self-esteem, reconnecting with society and reminding people they still matter.
“The motto is one person at a time, one crown at a time,” Boykin said.
That mission has quickly grown beyond what she originally imagined.
What began as an idea inside one salon has become a collaborative effort involving hairstylists, a barber, advocates and medical professionals united by a common purpose.
“We’ve got people coming in from different areas,” Boykin said. “We have a nail technician. We have a barber who’s willing to provide free haircuts for the homeless and disabled. All three of our salons specialize in natural hair care, and all three of us come from the medical field as CNAs and healthcare workers. We already understand that grooming is part of everyday life.”
The initiative will also extend services into Fayetteville while continuing to serve Roseboro and surrounding Sampson County communities.
In addition to operating from Boykin’s salon, volunteers are already using mobile shampoo stations to meet people where they are — even stopping along roadsides when they encounter individuals experiencing homelessness.
“I see it getting bigger,” Boykin attested. “We have my location in Roseboro, the location where I work in Fayetteville, and then we have people going directly into neighborhoods. We’re just trying to show some love. These are free services.”
The response from the community has only strengthened her resolve.
Boykin admitted she never expected the overwhelming support she received during her ribbon-cutting ceremony, where residents, local leaders and supporters gathered to celebrate the opening of her business.
“The community has really showed out,” she said. “It means a lot to me. It’s encouragement to keep going because it tells me we’re onto something.”
She hopes to eventually secure a larger building that would allow the ministry to expand even further.
One challenge, however, remains.Many of the people who need help the most are often reluctant to ask for it.
“Pride gets in the way,” Boykin acknowledged. “A lot of people don’t want to ask for help.”
Instead of waiting, she chooses to approach them first.
“I’ll tell them, ‘Come on in. I got you. I’ll buy you something to eat. Let’s go do this,’” she said. “Sometimes they’re not going to ask for it. We just have to pick up and do it.”
She believes everyone, regardless of circumstance, deserves compassion.
“We’re all in this together,” Boykin said. “We all need a little help every now and then.”
One aspect of the ministry she feels strongly about is protecting the dignity of those served.
In an era where charitable acts are often recorded for social media, Boykin intentionally avoids putting cameras in the faces of vulnerable individuals.
“Not too many people are fond of you taking pictures of them,” she said. “They’re already embarrassed by their situation. That’s their dignity, and I respect that.”
Instead, she prefers allowing the transformation, itself, to tell the story.
“A shampoo and conditioner can change your life,” Boykin said. “When you get your hair done or get a haircut, you feel different. You feel better about yourself. You’re motivated. Personal care really does make a difference.”
The compassion behind Restore the Crown has already inspired others to join the movement.
Yeseree Davis, founder of Core Nail Wellness, recently reached out after learning about the initiative.
“Core Nail Wellness is proud to support the Restore the Crown Project and its mission of uplifting individuals, strengthening families and building a more compassionate community,” Davis said.
Her mobile practice specializes in wellness-centered nail care for aging adults and individuals with mobility limitations, partnering with senior living communities, care facilities and families to promote comfort, dignity and quality of life.
“Our mission aligns closely with theirs,” Davis said. “We are focused on providing safe, professional nail wellness services centered on comfort, dignity and quality of life. We look forward to exploring opportunities to support one another through community outreach, education and future partnerships.”
As Restore the Crown continues to grow, Boykin hopes the movement inspires others to see people before they see circumstances.
For her, every shampoo, haircut, nail treatment or simple act of kindness represents far more than a service.It represents hope.
And every restored crown serves as a reminder that every person deserves to be seen, valued and cared for.