By Stephanie Jones

Julia Durfee of Ola Salon and Spa in West Seattle may just be another stylist to some but to her Ola Community and the Justice and Soul Foundation, she is a ray of much needed sunlight in a world that many feel has become dark and dim.

Julia says that she had a pretty rough go as a child and was given many breaks over her teen and early 20's years. It has always left her with a deep desire to give back and be a part of something bigger than her. From a young age she has wanted to work with victims of sex trafficking. Julia looked into organizations that offer services, here in Seattle and abroad, for victims of this awful crime. She found one that spoke to her heart - REST. The training to be a part of REST is intense and conflicted with her schedule; she did not despair though. Se continued to look for other ways to be impactful and offer a deeper meaning.

One day this longing was answered by a young lady named Jessica Dahl, Co-Founder of The Beyond Project and Board Member of Justice and Soul. Jessica came in to the salon to talk to owner Rachel Karlin to see if Ola was a good fit for The Beyond Project. Not only was it a match, but as the conversation became deeper; Rachel learned of Justice and Soul Foundation and immediately thought of Julia. Justice and Soul offers victims of sex trafficking a new life and an entire set of skills that offer them a sustainable way to make a life for themselves and their futures.

Julia immediately was drawn to the project and in less than 24 hours applied to head to Cambodia to work directly in the Salon's School in Cambodia. She applied in August and was happily accepted in October. This acceptance sent Julia on the life changing course of leaving her friends, family, job and community to head alone across the world to fulfill a dream project.

With the assistance of Ola Salon, the community that both works there and the amazing clients, Julia has been able to raise the $6000 needed to head to Cambodia for 2 months. This is an exciting time for her as she prepares for her long voyage next week; but Julia in all of her modesty said that excitement is not the accurate word. While she is nervous and in wonder of a new place - she cannot wait to forge new relationships with such amazing people who have undergone so much trauma in their life and have chosen to take the path of healing.

Julia says that she definitely could not be making this dream a reality if she were not surrounded by such a loving, supportive and generous community. Rachel has assured Julia that her spot will be waiting for her when she gets back. Rachel is even trying to head over to Cambodia to see first hand the impact of this project.

Julia wants to send the message loud and clear that we can all make a difference and have an impact. Even if you think you can't; you can. One hour a month can make all the difference to a community, organization or person. She sees so many people complaining on Facebook about the state of this or that. She urges us each to find something that sparks something inside of us and find even an hour a month to get off of Facebook and go do something.

Other ways you can be involved are by donating directly to Justice and Soul Foundation www.justiceandsoul.org or if you are a stylist and want to be a part of it in the same way Julia is you can apply to head over to Cambodia to be a teacher.

They are also looking to open up a local chapter right here in Seattle. There will be many opportunities to be involved on various levels. Keep abreast of all their events and ways to stay involved at their website www.justiceandsoul.org

As for Julia? She will be back June 1st. We will catch her then and follow up on her experience and the impact this organization has had on her and her life.