Hi Friends — it’s Michael.

First, wishing you a beautiful, hope-filled New Year. As this year begins, life is moving fast, and so much is changing at once that some days it feels like I’m just barely catching my breath while trying to keep my feet on the ground.

So… why GoFundMe, and why now?

The apartment where I’ve lived — and quietly poured my heart into my business — for the last five and a half years is now threatening eviction over a lease issue. My lease ends February 28th, and while I’m out looking for a new place to live and work, I’m also trying to protect my record, my livelihood, and the stability I’ve worked so hard to rebuild.

In the middle of all this, something unexpected happened.

I walked into a single-family home in Oakland Park that felt less like a listing and more like an answer. A third bedroom with its own entrance where I could welcome clients into my salon. A big backyard where Tito could finally run and play freely. A garage where I could get lost in my artwork and actually have space to store it instead of tucking it into corners.

While I was touring, the realtor, Sharon, mentioned the home was also for sale. One conversation led to another, and before I knew it, I was looking at more than just a place to land — I was looking at a real chance to plant roots. We are now set to close at the beginning of February. It is fast, and honestly a little scary, but it also feels like the door I have been hoping would open: a way to keep working, avoid an eviction on my record, and finally build a stable home base for my life and my business.

Here’s the hopeful part: my financing is approved, and everything is lined up for this to happen. I love this home. It feels like the next chapter I’ve been working toward for years — a place where I can grow, create, and continue serving the people who trust me with their hair, their stories, and their lives. The only thing standing between me and that front door is a $20,000 gap in my down payment.

I know this isn’t a dramatic headline. There’s no emergency room, no breaking news, no life-or-death storyline. I’m healthy. Tito is spoiled with love and treats. For that, I’m deeply grateful every single day. And yes, I could find another rental and keep going. But this house feels serendipitous — like it showed up at precisely the moment when I needed not just another stop along the way, but a true home where I can pour into my work, my clients, my art, and my future.

It is humbling to come to you like this, to say: I need help. If you are in a position to contribute anything toward my down payment, know that it will not just help me buy a house — it will help me protect my business, avoid an eviction, and create a safe, creative, welcoming space for the people I serve every day. Any amount truly makes a difference, and I will carry your kindness with me every time I turn the key in that front door.

If giving isn’t possible for you right now, or you’d rather not, please know that I understand completely. Your friendship, your encouragement, your referrals, your belief in me — those are gifts I never take for granted. Sharing this GoFundMe with someone who might want to help is also incredibly meaningful support.

Thank you for reading this, for standing with me through so many chapters already, and for caring enough to even consider being part of this one. I cannot wait for the day I get to welcome you into my new home for a housewarming celebration, to raise a glass in the kitchen, let Tito show off his backyard, and say in person how much your support has meant — because one way or another, that day will come.

With gratitude,

Michael