July 13, 2006 — The candidate who understands today's hard-working women – Rev. Toi A. Barbel, campaign for Senator of the 27th Legislature – is building important support among small businesses, especially in the beauty industry. This support is being demonstrated by a meet-and-greet Pamper Yourself Day from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 16, at Pro Nails, Inc., located at 22 Nisky Center, St. Thomas (340.777.9707).
Women will receive 50 percent off the regular price of manicures and fills during Pamper Yourself Day, held in conjunction with Rev. Barbel's campaign, to help voters learn more about Rev. Barbel, a former small-business owner who now is senior pastor at International Gospel Center of St. Thomas.
"There's no one who deserves a break more than the women who 'do it all' for everyone, and we are looking forward to seeing them at Pamper Yourself Day," Rev. Barbel said. "Women voters are crucial in this election, which touches on so many health- and welfare-related issues: access to health care for everyone; improved schools and programs for our children; vigorous efforts against domestic abuse and sexual violence; better treatment, education and rehabilitation for our loved ones who are incarcerated."
Rev. Barbel, a recipient of the Congressional Black Caucus Award to Outstanding Black Clergy, has also been recognized as a Distinguished Woman of Faith by People for Progress.
Rev. Barbel, who formerly owned the Toi House salon in St. Thomas, knows firsthand the problems and rewards of being a small-business owner. "My platform calls for increased assistance to people who start and sustain small businesses," she said. "These businesses are key to tourism on the Islands, and we are not now doing enough to support them and, by extension, the tourism industry itself."
"The saying tells us, 'Women hold up half the sky,'" Rev. Barbel added. "I think most people will agree that our sex holds up considerably more than half. So let's do it with beautifully groomed hands from Pro Nails at Pamper Yourself Day!"