Glam Squad gets local teens prom-ready

In a world full of people who don’t want anyone else to have what they don’t, Celia Anderson and her friends stand out.

In 2024, Anderson told a group of Owatonna moms that her high school prom had been horrible; unlike her friends, there were no salon trips to have her hair and makeup professionally done.

It made her feel left out.

It also led to a suggestion to the other moms: Wouldn’t it be nice if we got together and provided that to high school students who felt the same way?

The suggestion led to O-Town Glam Squad, now in its third year.

“A bunch of moms came together to provide hair, makeup and nails,” said Sarah Radtke, one of four organizers, along with Anderson, Shannon MacRunnels and Ali Ziegler.

In addition to the “glamour” service – all done by professionals – the students get flowers, have professional photos taken and go home with a swag bag.

Breakfast items, lunch and snacks will be offered; and raffles for prizes are planned.

The cost: $0

The results: priceless

“This is my take,” Radtke said. “We don’t look at anybody’s income; we’re not going to discriminate. From my experience, there aren’t people just taking advantage of it; it was people who really needed it.”

The signup sheet is completely confidential; only organizers are able to see the names.

After a bumpy first year, the glam process has become more streamlined and efficient.

This year’s event will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 25 – the day of Owatonna High School’s prom – at the Methodist Church, 815 E. University Ave.

Hair and makeup services will be offered by students from Nova Beauty School in Mankato, who volunteer their time and products.

“The (Nova) students can use their time toward graduation, and our kids get a semi-professional” hair style, said Radtke. “They were there last year, too, and had a lot of fun, so that helped. It’s a win-win.”

Also returning is florist Michelle Pittman, of Stargazer Designs in Owatonna, who will be on hand with corsages and boutonnières – using fresh flowers.

Maria Rosales, who owns a nail salon in Owatonna, “has been with us since Day 1,” Radtke said.

She provides the nails and the manicures, and will have two nail techs helping her.

“She was by herself last year, and she didn’t get a break,” Radtke said. “She was so busy.”

That’s because the number of guests more than tripled from the first year – and included a couple of teenage boys.

“Last year, the two guys that came and got their hair done had those beauty school ladies oogling and googling all over them,” Radtke laughed. “It was so funny, but it was awesome. When they were sitting in those chairs, they were beaming. They smiled from ear to ear.”

One of the young men didn’t have formal attire for the event, she said, “so we helped him get a suit (jacket), pants, shoes. When he walked in, he wasn’t smiling much. As soon as he put his suit and shoes on, and got his hair done – he was all smiles.

“It’s just awesome, seeing the transformation,” Radtke said.

Once the transformation is complete, MacRunnels, who owns Sparkling Shots Photography in Owatonna, captures the moment.

“She (does) professional pictures, and we had a balloon guy come in and do a balloon arch for a backdrop,” Radtke said, “so they’re encouraged to bring” their prom clothes with them.

The Grand March begins at 7 p.m. at the Four Seasons Centre.

“It’s awesome that the community is coming together for these kids,” Radtke said. “It’s so heartwarming, to see the donations, people sharing our story and supporting us.”

She has created an Amazon wish list for anyone wanting to donate.

“A lot of people are donating that way,” Radtke said. “From the very beginning, it was very important to us that the kids have stuff they can use the night of the prom, then take home,” so those good feelings last.

Girls will take home makeup, face masks, body lotion, toothbrush and toothpaste, makeup remover, makeup brushes and more.

Guys will receive “really, really cool watches; they look so high-end,” Radtke said, as well as deodorant, a handkerchief/pocket square and a wallet.

Perfume and cologne are also donated; Radtke plans to use donated funds to buy mints and hair gel.

This year, Maisy Made, a local porch-bakery operated by a 14-year-old, will provide cookies.

Of the 28 kids who participated last year, other stories stand out.

“There was a girl from Blooming Prairie who wanted to come,” Radtke said, “but couldn’t get a ride to our event. Her prom wasn’t that day, but she wanted to learn how to do her hair and makeup herself” for her upcoming prom.

One of the organizer’s nieces drove from the Twin Cities to BP “and picked her up for our event. She was super-shy when she came in, but when she got her hair done, put her dress on, she was floating like a social butterfly around the room.”

Because the plan was to have to do her hair and makeup by herself, Radtke said, “Nova said if she could find a ride to their school, they’d do it for free. So that same lady drove to BP again, drove the girl to Mankato, then back to Blooming Prairie for her prom.”

It was exactly what Anderson had been thinking of when she suggested the idea.

“The girl told Celia it was the best day of her life,” Radtke said. “I still get goose bumps.”

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O-Town Glam Squad

What: Hair, makeup, nails, photos, flowers for promgoers

When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 25

Where: Methodist Church, 815 E. University Ave., Owatonna

How: To sign up, to donate or for more information, email otownprom2024@gmail.com or visit O-town Glam Squad on Facebook