Single Moms Event Recap

On Sunday, Dec 17, Memphis Moms Blog hosted their first annual Single Mom Spa & Shop. Here at MMB, we know how awesome single moms are; they do it all and often without a break or thanks. Holidays can be a stressful time of year; challenging, emotionally and financially.

This Christmas, we felt led to relieve some of that for single moms. We wanted an afternoon where the ladies could be pampered and relax. We also felt inspired to provide a way to relieve some of the financial strain by giving an opportunity to the moms to shop for their children. We felt it was important for the moms to be able to shop on their own. While other “charities” are a wonderful and an integral part of the community, most take the mom out of the equation. Our team agreed that it was not only important but imperative for the moms to choose gifts for their own children; because who knows their child better than their mother?!

The week following Thanksgiving, MMB began a toy drive. Zach Gordon, from Go Mini’s of Memphis, provided a storage pod to collect the toys, along with many area restaurants and businesses acting as remote collection locations. A huge thank you to Downtown Yoga, The Art Project, Shear Perfection Salon, The Casual Pint, Café Eclectic S. Highland, The Village Toymaker, The Little Gym, The Little Studio on the Square, and The Donut Hutt.

Approaching the event, we were concerned that we wouldn’t have enough items for the moms to “shop”, but it was truly astonishing to see the abundance of toys piled up on over five tables! There were games, art projects, baby and toddler toys, shoes, and even a small basketball hoop! It was an incredible site!

The event took place at The Hub Coffee Shop, located inside Highpoint Church. Decorated beautifully in silver and gold, it was the perfect backdrop for a relaxing afternoon. Single moms often never get a break, so it was important for the owners of Memphis Moms Blog to provide childcare (birth-age 10) for the length of the event. Upon checking in, the families were escorted to the kid care area where games and activities awaited the children, along with time spent on the outdoor playground. Over sixty kids were entertained while their moms were enjoying a much deserved reprieve.

Using the private conference room, consultants of Mary Kay set up 4 stations of makeovers. What woman doesn’t love playing in makeup? It was a room full of laughter as the women explored different colors and skincare tips.

Next to the coffee bar, Meredith Garrison of Jamberry Nails set up her station. Jamberry Nails is known for their quick drying and non-smearing technique of applying fun colors and patterns to nails. The moms got a kick out of perusing her giant book of endless nail choices. Moms were able to sit in groups receiving their manicures and making new friendships!

In another area, you could find Kristy Rinks of Hair Savvy Salon giving moms the gift of beautiful hair. She wasn’t just doing blowout and styles, she was giving complete haircuts and new looks! One mom took off over a foot of hair and another had a completely new style before the end of the event! There’s something about a fresh new haircut that invigorates and restores a tired mama!

But what’s a party without sweet treats? Smallcakes Collierville, Frost Bakeshop, Nothing Bundt Cakes and Kroger Bakery all donated an impressive assortment of cookies, mini cupcakes, and slices of decadent cake! It was all washed down by with some heavenly coffee, courtesy of The Hub Coffee Shop.

After the “spa” portion of the afternoon was complete, the moms each received a bag to go “shop” from the display of toys. Bulging bags were proof enough that each of these families would have a magical Christmas this year!

In addition to the toys, each mom had the opportunity to win raffle prizes. The ladies from Mary Kay provided two gift certificates, enabling moms to replenish or replace a makeup collection. The Donut Hutt gifted a complete birthday party for up to 10 kids at their store location in Collierville. These hot ticket items also included two brand new Kindle Fires, which were sure to surprise any kid on Christmas morning!

Another major thank you goes to our writing staff and event volunteers, who enabled everything to run smoothly and efficiently. We also greatly appreciated Annette Peagler of Channel News 24 for her coverage of the event, and of course ALL of those who were generous enough to donate toys.

We know Christmas often isn’t the most wonderful time of the year for some families, but hopefully this year the single moms of Memphis were blessed to create a wonderful one for their own.