It has been said that “Outer beauty turns heads, but inner beauty turns the heart.” Kathleen Parker, who has served as a beautician for the residents of Kalākaua Gardens since it opened five years ago, knows this all too well.

For Kathleen, serving as a beautician is more than a job; it is her calling. Whenever she is at Kalākaua Gardens, she embarks on an adventure into the lives of others. On Tuesdays and Fridays, you’ll find her cutting, perming, or coloring the hair of Kalākaua Gardens residents and, in the process, gets to discover the richness and beauty of their lives.

A Rewarding for Experience

“It’s been wonderful. I like seeing the joy in their eyes and on their faces. They are so grateful for the service,” Kathleen said. “The residents feel good when they look their best and I get to learn about their life stories. I’ve often asked, ‘Who is being rewarded, them or me?’

For example, she has been genuinely intrigued with the experiences shared by resident Roy Fujii, who is mentioned in the prologue about his role in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team during World War II in the recently released book, “Facing the Mountain,” by author Daniel James Brown. She also recalls being so enraptured by the stories of Walter (Last Name) who worked on the telescopes on the Big Island that she “had to put my comb down” and listen with undivided attention.

Living for Each Other

Kathleen said that just as she enjoys hearing about the lives of the residents, they also enjoy learning about her life. “They live vicariously through our experiences, so we should freely share with them,” she said, noting that it is a reciprocal relationship.

“The residents here have been working all of their lives and they are used to getting their hair done,” she added. “That doesn’t mean that stops when you live in a senior community. Some have even told me they wouldn’t have moved to Kalākaua Gardens if they didn’t have this service!”

Exuding Empathy

Over the past 40 years, Kathleen has used her beauty skills to start similar programs in Hawaii, including Arcadia, Hawaii Kai Retirement Community, Kāhala Nui, and One Kalakaua. Kathleen’s extensive experience in working with kupuna has taught her valuable lessons, emphasizing that empathy is key.

She joked that she understands their challenges and knows how to build a rapport with them because she herself is nearing the age of the residents and recognizes everyone should be treated with respect and dignity.

“I was about to help a resident out of his wheelchair and he told me, ‘Don’t help me. You’re as old as I am!’” she laughed. “I tell people that in a few years, I may be moving in with them!”

Independent living residents and assisted living residents sign up for her services, while the Kalākaua Gardens staff or family members sign up for memory care or skilled nursing care residents. In addition to hair care, Kathleen would like to see other services offered to the residents in the future, including manicures, facials and massages.