Who We Are
Founded by Latoya Griffin, a licensed esthetician, Chin Up, Girl is a nonprofit dedicated to making self-care and beauty services accessible to women who are often overlooked—women in recovery, formerly incarcerated women, survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, and those rebuilding their lives.
Latoya created Chin Up, Girl to challenge the stigma that self-care is only for the privileged. For many of the women we serve, self-care and beauty treatments are the last thing on their minds, yet they can be the first step toward restoring confidence. By providing free skincare, beauty services, and self-care workshops, Chin Up, Girl helps women feel seen, valued, and empowered to show up as their best selves.
Self-care is a right, not a reward.
Our Mission
At Chin Up, Girl, our mission is to empower women in recovery, formerly and currently incarcerated women, women who are survivors of human trafficking, sexual assault and domestic violence, and trans women by providing free skincare, beauty products and services, and hands-on workshops.
We aim to restore confidence and dignity, helping them navigate job interviews, court appearances, child visitations, and other crucial steps in their journey to rebuild their lives. Our workshops allow the women we serve to learn a new skill and encourage the use of hobbies to explore their creativity, serve their communities, or even generate income.
As a trauma-informed organization, we recognize the unique and complex experiences of each woman we serve. We approach all services with empathy, respect, and care—creating a safe, supportive space where healing, self-expression, and transformation can thrive.
Through our support, we strive to uplift women as they transition back into society, ensuring they feel beautiful, confident, and empowered to face the future.
Our Vision
Our vision is to expand beyond Tennessee, bringing makeover days, beauty distribution clinics, and skill-building workshops to women in communities across the nation. We aspire to open a permanent Chin Up, Girl spa — a safe, welcoming space where women can receive care, connection, and confidence. And because beauty is also a pathway to opportunity, we dream of creating a scholarship fund that supports women who want to pursue careers in the beauty industry. Together, with community partners and supporters, we envision a future where every woman has the dignity, resources, and opportunities she needs to thrive.
Professional Skincare & Beauty Services
Chin Up, Girl provides trauma-informed skincare and beauty services designed to restore confidence and dignity. Through licensed esthetic services and volunteer-supported hair and nail care, women receive personalized support that helps them feel prepared for job interviews, court dates, graduations, and everyday life. These services are not about vanity — they are about empowerment, healing, and helping women show up with confidence.
Workshops & Events
Our workshops and community events create safe, supportive spaces for women to learn new skills, build confidence, and connect with others. From self-care and wellness experiences to practical life-skills programming, each gathering is intentionally designed to encourage growth, resilience, and community. We believe healing happens in connection — and our events reflect that belief.
Care Cabinet Initiative
The Care Cabinet provides thoughtfully curated personal care and hygiene products to women navigating recovery, reentry, and transitional life seasons. These essential items help women feel clean, prepared, and confident as they rebuild their lives. By partnering with local organizations, we ensure dignity-centered support reaches women where they are.
Garden Club
Garden Club is a hands-on, trauma-informed program that uses gardening as a tool for healing, life skills, and connection to nature. Participants learn foundational gardening skills while cultivating patience, responsibility, and hope. Whether growing herbs, flowers, houseplants or vegetables, Garden Club nurtures both the soil and the spirit.
Our Services
Our Board
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Latoya Griffin
Founder/Executive Director
Kayla Johnson
Treasurer
Mallory Lemmers
Fundraising Chair
Lauren Simmons
President
Jahniya Yates
Secretary
Sariya Webster
Emerging Leader Board Fellow
Celisa Webster
Vice President
Melissa Silva
Director of Survivor & Volunteer Engagement
Chin Up, Girl, Inc. – Nondiscrimination Statement
Chin Up, Girl, Inc. affirms its commitment to providing programs, services, and opportunities without discrimination. We do not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of our activities or operations.
This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, board members, clients, and program participants. We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all women we serve, as well as our partners and community.