WASHINGTON - Nov. 11, 2019 - 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.
"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, was selected as the recipient.
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, 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.
Next, Haynes was taken to lunch at Clyde's Georgetown (https://www.clydes.com/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 (https://www.nordstromrack.com/) Springfield Town Center in Springfield, VA, where she met up with celebrity stylist Kara Allan (http://karaallan.com/). There, Haynes was bought an outfit to include, earrings, shoes, and purse to match, gifted from Riley Thomas, herself.
Next, Haynes was sent to get her hair services by stylist Artyce Dozier. She received a treatment, shampoo, cut and styling. After Haynes received a hair makeover, she was then given a glamourous face with makeup artist Schnelle Jefferson, Owner of Faithgirl Beauty Studio (https://www.faithgirlbeauty.com/).
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 (http://www.osteriamarzano.com/), 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 (https://fitnesstogether.com/centralgeorgetown).
"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.
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