A Durham-area program called Amaka’s Beauty Camp is doing much more than teaching girls how to style hair — it’s helping young women build genuine confidence and life skills, according to a recent report from ABC11 News.

The camp, which focuses on empowering girls, uses beauty and self-care as a launching pad for deeper lessons about self-worth, personal development, and community. The program’s approach goes well beyond the salon chair, giving participants tools they can carry with them long after camp ends.

Initiatives like Amaka’s Beauty Camp reflect a growing tradition in Durham of community-rooted programs that invest in young people’s futures. By combining a fun, relatable activity with meaningful mentorship, the camp creates a welcoming space where girls can discover their strengths and feel seen.

Durham has long been home to creative, community-driven efforts that uplift its youngest residents, and Amaka’s Beauty Camp is a shining example of that spirit in action. Programs like this remind the community that building confidence in the next generation starts with meeting young people where they are — and giving them room to grow.

Also adding to Durham’s upbeat week, the popular national franchise Chicken Salad Chick has officially opened a new location in Durham, bringing fresh dining options and new jobs to the area. The restaurant, known for its wide variety of scratch-made chicken salad recipes and warm Southern hospitality, expands the city’s already vibrant food scene and gives residents one more reason to celebrate their community.

Sources: ABC11 News, Food & Beverage Magazine