From Ashes to Art: Rebuilding My Salon Suite and Future

Hello friends, family, and kind strangers,

I'm reaching out to you today with a heavy heart and a hopeful spirit. For those who don't know me, I’m a dedicated mother to my 7-year-old son, a passionate nail artist, and a student at Oakland University, pursuing my Bachelor's in Clinical Diagnostics with a Pre-PA track. I’ve always had a love for helping others, and my goal is to eventually earn my Master's as a Physician Assistant to continue doing just that.

Earlier this year, I made a significant life decision. After owning a salon for some time, I chose to step away and move into a suite to focus more on my family and my education. Owning a salon required me to pause my college journey to maintain financial stability, but I decided it was time to take the leap and return to school. In May, I moved into my new suite, which became not just my workplace, but my second home—a space where my creativity flourished, and my clients felt welcomed and valued. Every detail of that suite was a reflection of my passion and care; it was my artwork, crafted with love and thoughtfulness to ensure my clients felt comfortable and cherished.

Unfortunately, on September 7th, I woke up ready to start another day, only to receive heartbreaking news—my suite, my sanctuary, had caught fire the night before. Rushing over, I had no idea what I was about to witness. I arrived to see something I had poured my heart into reduced to ashes and ruins. It was more than just a physical space—it was where I built special bonds and created beautiful memories with my clients, who became like family to me.

To walk into that suite after the fire and see everything I worked so hard for damaged and destroyed was devastating. Nails are not just a job for me; they are my passion, my art, and my way of bringing joy to others. It breaks my heart to see it all taken away so suddenly. Balancing a business, school, and family is incredibly challenging, and now, with this unexpected setback, I'm at a loss.

I am reaching out to ask for your help in getting back on my feet and rebuilding what I’ve lost. Any contribution, no matter how small, will go a long way in helping me restore my suite and continue doing what I love. I am deeply grateful for any support you can offer, and I thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart. Thankfully, no one was hurt, and for that, I am truly grateful.

Thank you for being a part of my journey, for your kindness, and for helping me rise from this setback.

With love and appreciation,

Kat