When Erika Karlinsky founded the For Nina Foundation in memory of her daughter, Nina, who lost her battle with leukemia, she had one goal — to carry forward Nina’s passion for helping others.
Initially, the foundation focused on raising funds for Dance Marathon at the University of Florida, a cause Nina adored. But this year, the foundation’s mission expanded to include a heartfelt new initiative: providing free custom wigs to young cancer patients.
Enter Katia Baker, a self-taught wig maker and owner of House of Postiche, a thriving wig business in Orlando.
Baker’s story began humbly in 2013 with a sewing machine from Walmart. Today, her innovative “wig wagon”— a 6 x 12-foot mobile salon — brings her craft directly to her customers.
“I call it a soda can with all my money in it,” Baker jokes, referring to her trailer. But the joy she delivers through her creations is no laughing matter.
For kids like Nina, the side effects of cancer treatments include hair loss, which can be a distressing reminder of their condition.
Nina’s struggle to find a comfortable, natural-looking wig inspired Karlinsky to find a better solution for others.
“Most wigs just weren’t made for kids,” Karlinsky explains. “They didn’t fit properly, and the hairline never looked right. Nina never felt comfortable without wearing a baseball cap over her wig.”
After reaching out to over 25 wig makers with little success, the foundation discovered Baker, who not only understood the technical craft of wig-making but also shared their deep sense of purpose.
Baker’s “wig wagon” was a bonus.
“Most of them are not feeling well, and to get into a car and drive is a really big deal,” Karlinsky said. “Some of these patients still go to the clinic for chemotherapy. We’ve had a couple of patients where Katia went up to the room to fit the cap.”
“It’s huge to take the burden, not only the financial burden, but the physical and time burden, off of the parents,” Karlinsky added.
The collaboration blossomed into the “Wigs for Comfort and Confidence” program.
Since launching earlier this year, the program has provided 19 children with high-quality, custom wigs delivered with care and compassion through the ‘wig wagon’.
The process is transformative: Baker personally fits each child’s wig cap, constructs the unit on-site, and styles the wig to perfection.
“I want them to feel like they’re having a day in a salon,” Baker said.
The reveal is always a special moment, with children often unable to stop touching and admiring their new hair.
“It’s more than just a wig,” says Baker. “It’s about giving these kids their confidence back, letting them feel like themselves again.”
The For Nina Foundation and House of Postiche have big plans to grow the program, with hopes of expanding their reach across Florida and eventually nationwide. However, funding remains a challenge. Custom human hair wigs, even with Baker’s discounted rate, cost around $1,200 each — a fraction of the typical $8,000 to $10,000 price tag but still a significant expense.
To support their efforts, the foundation is hosting fundraising events, including a Dec. 14 partnership with Kendra Scott stores across Florida, where 20 percent of purchases will go to the foundation.
As Baker reflects on her journey, she says, “This is deeper than hair. I feel like I’m contributing more to society.”
For more information or to donate, visit For Nina Foundation or follow the foundation and House of Pastiche on Instagram.
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