The Basic Six Inc.
Meet The Team
Founding Member
Jorge Hernandez
For many years, I proudly considered myself an example of the American dream come true. After emigrating from Honduras to the United States in 1966, I took advantage of all this country had to offer. I learned my heart desired trade, became a licensed hair stylist and cosmetologist, opened a salon on Long Island's gold coast , Morel. During my years working in the beauty industry, I came to realize that through philanthropic work I could reach and help many who were unable to obtain personal appearance advice while going through health crises. For many years I was a Look Good Feel Better volunteer cosmetologist. Look good Feel Better was a free service sponsored by the American Cancer Society that offered such a service I described. I guess it was a personal verve that had to be satisfied, but I knew that there was something I could create that could be that LIFE CHANGING answer to easily and affordably regain personal empowerment and beauty. To that , The Basic Six Inc. was born.
Founding Member
JUNE BLEICH
I have always felt that for one to be successful in life they should over time re-invent themselves. I find that especially true for women. I have had the luxury of being able to do just that. After finishing my stint as a stay at home mom and wife, I decided that it was time to create my legacy: To pursue what I've put on hold .... Philanthropy .... I volunteered for organizations that not only filled my heart, but those that offered personal challenges for me. The Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind , The Ronald McDonald House, Look Good Feel Better ( The American Cancer Society ) and my four legged bilingual therapy dog Molly . ( and her teacher-mentor Guillermo Roa ) My association with each organization provided me with a doctoral degree in the human condition. But, after working as Long Island's volunteer coordinator for the Look Good Feel Better program, I came to realize that my degree has to be used that much more. And so, with my three brilliant partners, " The Basic Six, Inc. was created. A woman's way to beauty and empowerment during life's challenges.
Founding Member
RICHARD ZIMINSKI
Joining " The Basic Six " team is a new and refreshing adventure. My education and career involved only numbers and statistics : one may say, very cut and dry. For close to forty years, I didn't have the opportunity to not only smell the roses, but watch my roses grow. Now retired, I have the time to enjoy my house and garden and expand my horizons philanthropically. Becoming a member of " The Basic Six " project,allows me to expand my love of " hands on " beautification from my cherished garden, to those who are most in need of TLC. I so look forward to watching our cosmetic and spiritual transformations to those who need it most.
Founding Member
THOMAS KECHEJIAN
New York born and raised and a licensed cosmetologist by trade.
A poetic way to begin a bio, but, I was known for my artsy flare in school and later in the hair salon that I owned for over 20 years.
As well as styling the locks of many men and women, I found it equally gratifying sharing my trade with those studying my craft.
For years I instructed young men and women while they prepared for their NY State Cosmetology license exam Unfortunately,
during the years of my teaching, my mom was diagnosed with lung cancer. Her cancer treatment left her without hair and a she became a shadow of her stunning self.
Frustrated that I couldn't help her, I promised myself to keep my eyes open for future programs that were in development to address this loss.
Thirty years ago I joined the earliest ranks of the American Cancer Society's, " Look Good Feel Better " volunteers. I was one of their first licensed cosmetologists. Unfortunately, my mom died before she could benefit from this outstanding program. BUT, in her honor, I for 30 years taught women how to regain their cosmetic beauty that cancer treatment temporarily took away. AND, again in toasting mom, I am one of the four creators of another remarkable answer to those cosmetically impacted by cancer treatment : May I introduce, " The Basic Six ".
Founding Member
Molly & Memo
Molly came into our lives when she barely turned three months old. It was obvious to both my husband and I that this chocolate bundle of fur was not your ordinary chocolate lab. Called in to access our thoughts was teacher-mentor Guillermo Roa. He confirmed.... this little girl has star potential.Together they worked : training her in English and Spanish. She passed her therapy dog certification exam when she was just a little over one year. The " Molly and Memo " team became the therapy dog team in demand. Covenant House ( Bronx and Manhattan ), YAI, North Shore Child and Family Guidance, KIND are just to name a few. The media, both print and TV, featured their work. AND, now a new not-for-profit will be added to their roster : " The Basic Six, Inc. "
We invite you to visit with Molly and Memo at : mollyandmemo.com......