Port Charlotte salon helps students shine on prom night for free

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (WINK)—A night meant for memories should not come with a price tag, and one Southwest Florida salon is making sure of it. 

Mobwives Salon in Port Charlotte is bringing glam, confidence, and community spirit to local students with its second annual Prom Glam Giveaway, offering free prom dresses in all styles and sizes with no purchase necessary. 

Inside the salon, racks are filled with everything from brand-new gowns with tags to gently loved dresses, all waiting for their next big night. But this event is about more than fashion; it is about filling a real need in the community.

“There’s nothing around here. No stores,” said owner Candace Giunta. “I have four daughters, and it was so hard to find them a dress that you only really wear once. So, I wanted to give people a chance to come find a dress they feel good in.” 

Giunta said that the challenge is similar to many families in the area face— limited access to affordable prom attire. 

With local businesses and organizations donating dresses this year, the giveaway has grown, giving more students the chance to say “yes” to the dress without worrying about the cost. 

And once they walk through the doors, it is not just shopping; it is a moment.

“It’s almost like an experience,” said Salon manager Cheyenne Stevens. “When you come down the salon hall, the women around the salon clap and cheer. They give you real opinions, so you know when you’ve found your dress.”

That energy turns what could be a stressful search into something special. Complete with cheers, smiles, and a whole lot of confidence.

The impact is already clear. Last year, only about six students participated. This year, the salon has already helped around 40 students find their perfect look, with dozens more dresses still available in all colors, shapes, and sizes.

Those who pick up a free dress will also be entered into a raffle to win hair products and a $100 salon gift card.

And the glam does not stop there.

Next door, Wiseguys Barber Shop is stepping in to help young men get prom-ready with fresh cuts and a little extra encouragement.

“It’s so important for a young man to be able to go somewhere he feels comfortable,” said owner Louie Giunta. “Prom makes you nervous.”

He said efforts like this show how local businesses can come together to support their community in meaningful ways.

“There’s not a lot in this area. There’s no place for people to go shopping,” he said. “It’s up to us and other local businesses to step up and give a chance for everyone to attend prom.”

Looking ahead, Mobwives Salon is already dreaming bigger. The goal is to one day offer all brand-new dresses, and they are calling on the community to help make it happen.

A fundraiser is in the works later this year to support the next prom season, with hopes of reaching even more students across Southwest Florida.

Because at the end of the day, this is not just about dresses or haircuts; it is about making sure every student gets their moment to shine.