Building Soul Collective Salon
Donation protected
HELP ME LAUNCH A FRESH START, SHARE JOY AND STOP SEGREGATION
I am creating a space that will help revitalize Seattle’s Central District and turn the hair industry on its well-styled head. My vision is a salon community that starts with Black and textured hair and goes on to welcome everyone. I need your help because COVID-19 has put construction costs out of reach for small businesses—it will be $180,000 just to build out the salon. I believe this investment goes far beyond just me. By launching this business, I intend to model a new generation of salons where every person and every kind of hair is embraced.
Why it’s important: Since I was a little girl playing with my own and others’ hair, I’ve always loved creating a pretty “‘do’s.” As a grown woman and salon professional, that simple way of sharing joy became complicated. The salon industry is so highly focused on straight hair, with “European” looks at the center of professional training, that it is effectively segregated. Black and Brown community members are turned away from major salons because their stylists are unprepared for textured hair. As a Black woman working in a predominantly white salon, I experienced being treated as if I’m a textured hair “specialist” when I’m great at cutting, treating and styling every kind of hair. I want to create a community space that brings us back together and places textured hair at the center of our work instead of the margins.
Why I’m excited: I grew up in the Central District and want to contribute to its redevelopment as much as I contribute to my clients’ well-being. They call me a “day maker” because they walk away from appointments not only looking great but also more confident and with a stronger sense of self. Time to reflect during the pandemic persuaded me to take the risk of creating a space where nothing—no preconceptions, no segregation, no judgment about hair or style—can come between me and my community as I create that kind of result. Soul Collective Salon will show the industry a new way of operating. It can succeed with your help, and any donation will be much appreciated!
I am creating a space that will help revitalize Seattle’s Central District and turn the hair industry on its well-styled head. My vision is a salon community that starts with Black and textured hair and goes on to welcome everyone. I need your help because COVID-19 has put construction costs out of reach for small businesses—it will be $180,000 just to build out the salon. I believe this investment goes far beyond just me. By launching this business, I intend to model a new generation of salons where every person and every kind of hair is embraced.
Why it’s important: Since I was a little girl playing with my own and others’ hair, I’ve always loved creating a pretty “‘do’s.” As a grown woman and salon professional, that simple way of sharing joy became complicated. The salon industry is so highly focused on straight hair, with “European” looks at the center of professional training, that it is effectively segregated. Black and Brown community members are turned away from major salons because their stylists are unprepared for textured hair. As a Black woman working in a predominantly white salon, I experienced being treated as if I’m a textured hair “specialist” when I’m great at cutting, treating and styling every kind of hair. I want to create a community space that brings us back together and places textured hair at the center of our work instead of the margins.
Why I’m excited: I grew up in the Central District and want to contribute to its redevelopment as much as I contribute to my clients’ well-being. They call me a “day maker” because they walk away from appointments not only looking great but also more confident and with a stronger sense of self. Time to reflect during the pandemic persuaded me to take the risk of creating a space where nothing—no preconceptions, no segregation, no judgment about hair or style—can come between me and my community as I create that kind of result. Soul Collective Salon will show the industry a new way of operating. It can succeed with your help, and any donation will be much appreciated!
Organizer
Alexandria Folino
Organizer
Seattle, WA
