At the age of 20 years old Consuella (Connie) Mackey, a hair stylist and fashion designer broke her foot where she was incapacitated for a period of time. She soon saw the everyday difficulties faced by people with disabilities, -- such as, discrimination, inaccessibility in the community including little or no curb cuts; paths and entryways, public bathrooms, housing, job training, employment opportunities, professional grooming services and/or salons. She also saw how society discriminated and excluded people with disabilities from the mainstream of life. After feeling sorry for herself she wanted to do something to make a positive difference to address these unfair conditions. Connie began researching, making phone calls and sending letters all over the United States. Nothing could be found in her profession, so, she offered services in the beauty and fashion industry with accessible openings for people with disabilities.

Operation Confidence Beauty Industry Organization (OC) was founded. October 2, 1980. The purpose of the organization was to bring awareness and include people with disabilities into the beauty and fashion industry. Connie felt the best way to develop the program was to interact with individuals with disabilities, establish an interest group of dedicated persons who shared her vision and who would assist in developing the program.

To accomplish these goals, she asked former Mayor Tom Bradley to help her locate a facility to volunteer time to work with people with disabilities in the community. Mayor Bradley introduced her to his office: the Mayor's Office for the Handicapped, under the direction of Betty Wilson, Executive Director. Ms. Wilson made it possible for the program to be facilitated at the Joseph Pomeroy Widney High School.

The Widney High School is a school designed to provide private high school education to people with disabilities and was the perfect location to begin implementing the program. She established a small team of people with disabilities to work the programs strategic plan and assist as teacher’s aids.

This was the first time for Connie to interact with large groups of people with disabilities and the program development became exciting and a rewarding venture for her. The students also found the program exciting and at the same time rehabilitating. OC introduced independent living along with casual and professional grooming, professional and high fashion clothing while creating custom designs with accessible openings. Special attention went into wardrobe planning, hairstyles, haircuts and hair color that accentuated facial contour and complexion. For students with limited range of motion, the invention of hair grooming tools, such as, combs and brushes with curves and twists for easier grasp were created and developed. In addition to the special needed tools, classes in personal care, hygiene products, hair care products, and proper make-up application were also provided. Other classes provided were sewing and alterations, knitting, crochet, lace hook and fabric painting.

After being trained some students made the most beautiful sweaters, Afghans, and scarves. They were taught unique ways of holding the knitting and crochet needles. One creative student made breath taking crocheted and knitted outfits by holding the needle with her prosthesis. Another student held the needle in her mouth and made exquisite lace. They both found the class challenging, relaxing and therapeutic.