VETERAN SURPRISES ANOTHER VETERAN WITH $7,500 PAMPERING DAY
11/11/19 Washington, D.C. Raquel Riley Thomas, the owner of An Officer and Gentlewoman, LLC, with the help of the community, recognized a deserving Veteran for a day of pampering.
The idea came to Riley Thomas while she was getting her own hair styled at a salon, Hair Meets Art. Riley Thomas, a United States Army Veteran herself, started talking to her hairstylist, Artcye Dozier about how nice it would be to pamper one of her fellow comrades. Dozier loved the idea and was the first to sign her salon up for complimentary hair services.
Riley Thomas went to work. She called on several friends who owned business to ask if they were interested in the project she loving titled, Queen V. Day. After several businesses signed on and donated their services, Riley Thomas then put out nominations to the public.
“Queen V Day is a day to show our gratitude to a female Veteran for her commitment and sacrifice for our country. She served our country, now we will serve her,” states Riley Thomas.
After dozens of nominations, one Veteran was selected. Nikia Autry Haynes, a 20-year Veteran of the United States Army, nominated by her son Xavier Autry, was selected as the recipient.
“My mom began having marital issues resulting in us living in a hostile environment trying to keep the marriage together. In 2017, my mom dissolved her business and hasn't been herself since. It’s been two years and I think this surprise might be the jumpstart she needs to get back on her feet.” Autry wrote in his nomination.
Autry, a 19-year student, received a call from Riley Thomas and they worked together to make sure his mother was completely surprised. He told his mother that he was “taking her to breakfast.”
On November 10, 2019, Riley-Thomas went to Hayne’s home. After a few minutes of disbelief and a few teary-eyes, Hayne’s surprise day started off with flowers donated by 13-year old entrepreneur Maria Raquel Thomas, owner of Ria’s Slime Shop. Haynes was then whisked off into a private SUV from Royal Moves luxury chauffer service, a service donated by Black Knight Medical. She was taken to Georgetown Salon and Spa where owner Linda Hardiman’s team gave her the ultimate spa service. She received a massage by Linda herself, a facial by Karina Gutierrez, and a manicure-pedicure service from Suvd-Erdene Ikhagvasuren.
After her spa service, Haynes was taken to lunch at Clyde’s Georgetown where she nibbled on a plate of jumbo lump crab cakes, a meal donated by Rebecca-Brock, a long-time friend of Riley Thomas.
Next, Haynes was driven to Nordstrom Rack Springfield Town Center in Springfield, VA, where she met up with celebrity stylist Kara Allan. There, Haynes was bought an outfit to include, earrings, shoes, and purse to match, gifted from both Liana Brackett (Mrs. Georgia America 2018) and Riley Thomas, herself.
Next, Haynes was sent to get her hair services by stylist Artyce Dozier. Haynes was hesitant about taking off her cap she had been wearing throughout the day, however after much reassurance from both Dozier and Riley Thomas, she took it off and let the magic began. She received a new hairstyle complete with treatment, shampoo, cut and styling.
After Nakia received a hair makeover, she was then given a glamourous face with makeup artist Schnelle Jefferson, Owner of Faithgirl Beauty Studio.
The moment Haynes saw her whole look together, she went quiet. She held back tears as Riley Thomas then whisked her off to dinner at Osteria Marzano, where she was surprised by her son and boyfriend. There, RileyThomas handed Haynes a gift card to cover her dinner, gifted by Stacy Adams of Fitness Together, Georgetown.
“I’m so grateful for you and everyone who did so much for me today. I feel like a celebrity. ” Haynes stated. She then let her tears flow as she hugged RileyThomas.
ABOUT:
An Officer and Gentlewoman LLC (AOAGWLLC) is a Veteran-Owned production company located in the heart of Washington, DC. They specialize in theatrical productions, television commercials and casting. Currently, the production company produces the Miss DC for America, Mrs. DC America, Mrs. DC World America and Little Miss North America Pageants. They also oversee: AOAGWLLC Casting, Ria’s Slime Shop and RRT Image Consulting.
For interviews, please contact Sandahl Taylor at pr@aoagwllc.com or call her at 724-518-4235.
