Ready to Work Youth Program participant opens business in Norwalk

Katelynn sits proudly at her front desk of Beauty Body & Beyond, LLC.

Katelynn Barnhart cuts the ribbon in front of her own business, Beauty Body & Beyond, on June 1. Less than two years ago, she came to Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (GLCAP) seeking guidance for her career. With her difficult upbringing, Katelynn knew she wanted to make a change for her future and the Ready to Work Youth Program was there to help her achieve her dreams.

“The program has been like an extra parent for me. They have been a lending ear, support system, and great help with figuring out what I want in life and how to do it,” mentioned Katelynn.

Katlynn Barnhart cuts the ribbon in front of Beauty Body & Beyond, LLC on opening day
on June 1st, 2021, in Norwalk, Ohio.

Her new company, Beauty Body & Beyond, is a health and beauty shop dedicated to helping people with non-surgical body sculpting and feeling happier with themselves. They offer body contouring and pampering services, including facials, hair styling, and more. Katelynn hopes to incorporate a daycare for customers who need to bring their children with them to appointments.

“I knew I’d have my own business someday, but I didn't know what it would be or when it would come,” said Katelynn. “I love communicating with others, having good experiences with them, and making them feel good in their own skin, so this was a perfect business for that.”

Katelynn has been an active participant in Erie County’s Ready to Work Program since December 2019. When she first needed help from the program, her career coaches, Sharon Opfer (now retired) and Jim Steel, were able to connect Katelynn to employment, rent and utility assistance, and other resources.  

“I would suggest any teen that wants to break a cycle that runs in their family, better themselves in any way, and needs some extra support to join this program because they will be there, and they will help however they can,” Katelynn said.

The GLCAP Ready to Work program is available for youth ages 14-24 in Erie County and ages 16-24 in Ottawa County and assists those who identify as having barriers to employment. GLCAP can help individuals earn their high school diploma, develop leadership and finance skills, give connections for job placements, and more.

Start your application for the Ready to Work Youth Program today at www.glcap.org/readytoworkyouth