Giving Closet- A Hand Up Not a Hand Out

By Blaine Lowell

Giving Closet was a vision born from Hollywood celebrity fashion stylist Sam Russell, who witnessed the bad behavior of an actress and former client, who has not been named to this day. Watching her disrespect photographers on set, mock an assistant for having food in her teeth (while she was still in midbite), and gleefully passing her phone around to point out how fat her best friend looked in her wedding dress on her big day. Some people were simply raised by wolves.

While driving down Nichols Canyon in 2011, Sam suddenly realized: why was he pouring all of his energy and creative flair into this ego maniac? How do you get to the clients that authentically appreciate your contributions if you’re at the wrong address?

As a seasoned fashion stylist and personal shopper, his resources were vast, and when you have clients like Stevie Wonder, Playboy magazine, and the TLC network—not many people say “no” to you.

Fast forward to 12 plus years later, and the little train that could did. Giving Closet has rerouted over $240,000 in gently worn designer goods back into our communities. Overflow from fashion shows, sales markets, and public relations back closets—A single mom reentering the workforce, a fellow dreamer and IO Scholarship recipient, cancer survivors, a female pastor, and even an acid attack survivor from Face Forward LA have all been recipients of a personalized wardrobe boost—normally reserved for the Hollywood elite.

Robin Meade of HLN's Morning Express spotted Sam on social media and flew him to Atlanta for a two-part Mother's Day surprise for one very deserving mom, Arie Luster (Arie lost her battle with cancer 17 months later).

“If you can help a stranger reprogram any negative thinking or beliefs they may have about themselves, it is a big part of why this little caboose hasn’t stopped,” chimes in Sam from his home in Los Angeles. “If someone feels like their luck has changed, they will do the rest. These women already know how to survive in a toxic economy or environment.”

Sam’s passion project has introduced him to women across the United States, expanding his heart space in ways he didn’t imagine.

If you’re up for the inner awakenings that arise when breaking bread with people who have survived something traumatic, then you’re ready for one of his Giving Closet videos.

Wendy Martin is a perfect example (not a Giving Closet recipient—those are headhunted through social workers and reputable non-profits) …She’s a seasoned hair and makeup artist based in Houston, Texas. Wendy donated her services for one of Sam’s surprise wardrobe makeovers, being filmed by the local TV crew that day in the penthouse suite at Hotel Sorrella CITYCENTRE. When wrapped, the two had a moment alone. Wendy leaned in and shared a personal story of family trauma that shook Sam to his absolute core. The story of murder and family betrayal that Wendy so eloquently recapped gave Sam permission to access repressed memories from his traumatic past.

Another layer of why this altruism might feel so personal.

It was looking at Wendy as she spoke so candidly—so calm with a healed and balanced equilibrium. That’s what struck Sam the most. The hope that arises after pain. If she can endure what she just shared and still go on with her life, then anything is possible in the human space of resilience.

Giving Closet has morphed into a community-binding moment—A time where idolizing actors, sports figures, or even politicians won’t suffice. Especially, when wise women around the corner need us too.

Connect With Blaine

www.givingcloset.net

Instagram: Givingsam