Sky Heavens’ United Luz Foundation hosted a heartwarming event on May 7, 2025, to celebrate over 1,500 survivors of domestic violence. The annual “Pamper Me Pretty: Empowering Survivors Through Fashion & Wellness” program took place at the Manhattan Family Justice Center, offering these courageous women a day filled with healing, self-care, and empowerment. Survivors from various backgrounds, including those who had experienced sex trafficking, gathered to enjoy a curated experience that included makeovers, wellness workshops, and thoughtful gifts.
The foundation’s signature program has been running since 2017 and continues to uplift women currently residing in shelters and safe houses. This year’s event was extra special, as it coincided with Mother’s Day and Mental Health Awareness Month, honoring mothers and children affected by domestic violence.
A Healing Space for Survivors of Domestic Violence
At the heart of the “Pamper Me Pretty” event is the mission to empower survivors. The women who attended were treated to a day of healing and renewal, which included a shopping experience designed to help them feel like queens. Each woman was gifted essential items, including professional attire for job interviews and court appearances, as well as self-care products and wellness gifts. The event also featured a custom candle bar and uplifting conversations about mental health and self-care.
“This event is all about restoring self-esteem and hope for survivors who have been through so much. We want them to remember they are beautiful, worthy, and never alone,” said Sky Heavens, the founder of the United Luz Foundation. She also emphasized the importance of community, stating, “When survivors feel seen and valued, they can start to reconnect with their own power. That’s where real healing begins.”
The Power of Fashion and Wellness in Empowerment
Sky Heavens’ dedication to helping survivors of domestic violence is deeply personal. Growing up in a domestic violence shelter, Heavens experienced the pain of starting over after escaping a dangerous relationship. She created the United Luz Foundation to help other survivors find healing, offering a space where women and children feel seen, celebrated, and empowered. Through initiatives like “Pamper Me Pretty,” the foundation provides both emotional and practical support to those in need.
“Fashion and beauty have always been a form of survival and healing for me,” Heavens shared. “I used to give makeovers to women in the shelter to lift their spirits. That small act of care helped them reconnect with their identities and self-worth. It planted the seed for this program, and now it has grown into something beautiful.”
This year’s event also featured powerful guest speakers who are survivors themselves, sharing their stories of healing and the tools they’ve used to rebuild their lives. For many of the women attending, hearing these stories was a reminder that they, too, could heal and move forward.
Creating Safe Spaces for Healing and Growth
The United Luz Foundation’s impact extends beyond this one-day event. Since its inception in 2016, the foundation has provided resources and support to thousands of survivors, focusing on raising awareness of mental health and domestic violence. The foundation also emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces where women can feel supported and empowered, especially those in underserved communities.
“My mom was a survivor of domestic violence, and I know what it feels like to live in hiding, to start over, and to feel unseen. That’s why I am so passionate about this cause,” said Heavens, reflecting on her own experiences. “Healing is possible, and through this foundation, I want to show others that they are worthy of love, joy, and peace.”
A Day of Empowerment and Celebration
The “Pamper Me Pretty” event not only focused on self-care and wellness but also created a moment for survivors to feel beautiful and confident. The event featured professional photoshoots, gift bags with curated items from partners like Manic Panic, and a delicious meringue cake from Cipriani. The energy in the room was filled with gratitude, joy, and hope, making it a truly transformative experience for all involved.
Sky Heavens’ vision for the United Luz Foundation is rooted in love and empowerment, offering survivors a space to heal, grow, and thrive. “When we support each other, we can break the cycle of abuse and build a brighter future for ourselves and our children,” Heavens concluded.
