“Healing is a matter of time, but it is sometimes also a matter of opportunity.” Hippocrates

 

Anika Ortiz is 11 years of age.  Within these first precious years of life she has experienced tragedy on a level that one would hope to never be exposed to in a lifetime. From the depths of despair, Anika has continued to soothe her heartache through helping those that are struggling emotionally and physically also.  Anika has established a “pop-up” boutique with a portion of the proceeds being donated to low-income women and families challenged with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, domestic violence, and other difficult life altering issues.  

The name of her boutique is Anika’s Pink Closet.   It is located at the Mariposa Women and Family Center on West Town and Country Road in the city of Orange.  One time per month the boutique will be open at the Center spanning over the course of one year.  Each time the boutique is open, there will be a speaker discussing topics that are relevant to young girls such as bullying and setting healthy boundaries.  Anika herself will also offer her personal fashion tips while engaging her audience with mounds of self-confidence.  

Items in the boutique for purchase include clothing, accessories, toys, and other goods for girls.  Anika has cleaned her closet out as well as purchased on Craigslist to round out her initial line of product.  10% of all proceeds will be donated back to the Mariposa Women and Family Center.  Anika also encourages donations of items to be dropped off at the Center in order for her to sale.   

Anika lost her sister, Alejandra Hernandez, a couple years ago to domestic violence.  Alejandra was murdered by her estranged husband, John Rand Agosta.  Agosta is currently serving 50 years to life for this horrific crime.  Maria Ortiz is Anika and Alejandra’s mother.  She had wanted to honor her daughter while reaching out to others with similar experiences.  Anika’s desire to create a boutique was the catalyst to assist those that are looking to heal.  

O.C.’s Hair Police would like to honor Anika, Maria, Alejandra, and the Mariposa Women and Family Center for the enormity of their hearts and the difference they are making within their community as our current “In It To Win It” recipients.  It is the unsung heroes amongst us that are able to provide strength to those in despair so that they may shed the past for a better tomorrow.  O.C.’s Hair Police is proud to assist in this process with a donation provided to Anika’s Pink Closet as well as the Mariposa Women and Family Center.  

“How beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it!” George Elliston