Kara Crose, owner of Kara’s Skincare Studio, wants to reach out to those in need and offer them a little R&R in the way of her new Positive Pampering program.

What started as a small way to help those who need a little kindness has turned into something Crose never anticipated but she’s happy to do it and is looking forward to incorporating the program into her regular services.

Basically, the program works like this: Crose accepts nominations via email for a free one-hour facial for people who are having a bit of bad luck. Whether it’s because they’ve been hit financially by the downturn in the economy or because they’re overwhelmed by personal situations, Crose wants to put a smile on their face to remind them that people — even strangers — care. There’s no catch and no expectation to purchase a package of services. It’s all about someone helping another human being out.

“Lately, you hear so much out there about people in the community who are struggling right now and I wanted to find a positive way to help things in my own way,” Crose said of the program idea.

The response was overwhelming, Crose said.

“My initial plan was to offer one facial a week to a Positive Pampering nominee but I had so many nominations that I do one a day,” she said.

And the nominations run the gamut from mothers and daughters, husbands and wives but they share a common theme that makes Crose want to help.

“There are all different kinds of situations people are going through but the flipside of it is it’s so good that people are reaching out to others during these times,” Crose said.

Of course, Crose needs to make a living, too, but she’s enjoying giving back.

“It’s a very neat thing for me personally as well,” Crose shared. “A very positive thing and that’s the real point of this. I figure an hour a day isn’t a big thing when you’re helping people.”

Many of the nominees have received facials before but have had to cut back because of a loss of income. Others have never had a facial before in their life.

“I know it’s not something like a new car but it’s something nice and they’re able to take time away from thinking about whatever is giving them stress.”

Kara’s Skincare Studio is located at 154 So. Yosemite Ave., Ste. D, upstairs.

For more information, call 847-1966.