Hey there! It's Maria from Mara, and I'm thrilled to have this platform to support causes I deeply care about. From my childhood days watching "Jaws" and early Shark Week episodes to my fascination with ocean life, particularly sharks, my love for these incredible creatures has only grown. In high school, a book called "Devil's Teeth" ignited my obsession and my innate desire to raise awareness and make a difference. While I wouldn't trade being a hairstylist, my path could have led me to marine biology if math hadn't intervened, so count yourselves lucky! ;)

The ocean and its inhabitants urgently need our help. Why focus on sharks, you ask? Well, by focusing on sharks, we actually help the entire ocean thrive. Sharks play a vital role in the ocean's ecosystem, having been top predators for millennia, even predating trees on our planet. Without them, the delicate balance of the ocean would collapse. It's safe to say we need them.

That's why I've chosen to support Oceana. Over the years, I've witnessed the incredible impact and achievements of this organization. Their global approach to education and their commitment to making a difference resonates with me deeply. How could I not choose them?

I would be immensely grateful if you could help me reach my goal of making a difference. Remember, we are part of a greater world, and a thriving future requires a healthy coexistence with all of Earth's creatures.

As a token of appreciation, when you donate, you'll have the chance to win:

• ANY single hair service with me, Maria Jo (up to $400 value)
• Gloss and Haircut with Yeny ($155 value)
• Haircut with Jana ($120 value)
• Haircut with Bre ($105 value)
• Haircut with Danielle ($105 value)
• Haircut with Austin ($85 value)
• Haircut with Kylie ($85 value)
• Signature Blowout with Paige ($75 value)
• Bumble and Bumble Products basket ($450 value)

If you're donating remotely and not at the salon, simply send us an email at [email protected], stating the prize(s) you'd like your raffle tickets to go towards, along with your full name and phone number. We'll fill out physical tickets under your name, and the winners will be drawn in the first week of August and contacted via text/call.

Here's a breakdown of how many raffle tickets you'll receive based on your donation amount:

• 1 ticket: $5
• 5 tickets: $20
• 10 tickets: $35
• 20 tickets: $65
• 50 tickets: $150
• 100 tickets: $280
• 200 tickets: $500

Remember, the more you donate, the more chances you have to win!

In addition to donating to Oceana, signing petitions can be incredibly impactful. I encourage you to support the petitions "Ending the Shark Fin Trade" and "Responsible Fishing." Oceana is doing heroic work on many other petitions as well. You can find all their petitions at https://usa.oceana.org/campaigns/!

We'll be collecting donations until July 31st, so let's make every contribution count!

Together, we can create a brighter future by supporting Oceana and embracing a healthy coexistence with all Earth's creatures.

-Maria Jo, Mara Hair Studio

"Mara Hair and Mode Studio was created to welcome ALL and provide a platform for passions to shine. Before meeting Maria, I had little interest in sharks. But she opened my eyes, and as I learned more, I began to understand the importance of sharks. Join Maria in this fantastic fundraiser and help her raise funds for Oceana." -Jana Klavina, Owner of Mara Studios