Save the Salon!

UPDATE! a HUGE thank you to all of the donors so far! We are on our way but STILL NEED YOUR SUPPORT to reach our goal! These funds will help keep the doors open, the lights on and the blow dryers blowing!

Hi friends! My name is Kristin and I am here asking for your help in saving The Bladerunner Salon and Spa in SLO. If you have not personally had the pleasure of experiencing the exceptional service, professional staff and undeniable results The Bladerunner provides then you most likely know someone who has. The Bladerunner has been a pillar in the San Luis Obispo community for over 35 years. In that time they grew from a small 3 chair salon to a bustling 16 chair salon and spa employing 36 professionals. Perhaps you have seen their work over the years providing service for the anchors on KSBY or the lovely people who volunteered for the The Madonna Inn Fashion Show. One of my favorite memories is watching their incredible talent and creativity in the "Battle of the Salons" years ago. I have watched their float in the Christmas parade many years in a row.

Over the years the owner of The Bladerunner, Todd, has become a dear friend. Someone always willing to go the extra mile for someone in need. His giant heart has given back in so many ways through gifts and service. He has helped the Women's Shelter, Woods Humane Society, The Sammy Jeffers Foundation and walked more than a few times for the Susan G Komen Foundation. In fact, he joined me and held me up as I walked a year after my breast cancer journey and wiped my tears as we celebrated being cancer free.

Todd and the Bladerunner need our help. Covid affected so many people and businesses but touching is an integral part of the salon experience. It would be impossible to completely social distance in that environment. The Bladerunner pivoted as best as they could, moving their business out into the street.

Even with every effort taken, they faced monumental challenges along the way. Forced closures, no assistance from government through EIDL or PPP loans (they applied 4 times), and a community fearful of returning back to the salon.

Todd LOVES his employees and loyal customers. They are family. He did not require his staff to pay back rent during Covid so they could take care of their own families. In order to stay open through this tumultuous time he has exhausted credit cards and lines of credit in order to pay rent.

The Bladerunner's landlord is now demanding back rent and the Salon is in jeopardy of closing its doors for the last time. Let's not let this beautiful business be another victim of the pandemic! Let's not see the "going out of business" sign on another door.

Join me in assisting this staple in the SLO community THRIVE and continue providing employment opportunities to those that live here. Let's keep San Luis Obispo the town it has become by keeping the businesses that have made it great!