I am mother first then a self-employed Cosmetologist of 15 years by license, who has always dreamed of running my own salon. I first opened my salon in 2015, and things were going well until my pregnancy put me on bedrest for 18 weeks, forcing me to shut down. For the majority of my pregnancy my miscarriage rate was 50%. But he defied the odds! My son made it to three days before his due date. After my son was born and was about six months old, I started searching for a new space. Unfortunately, around Thanksgiving 2019, my family and I became very sick and didn't know why. A couple of months later, the Covid pandemic hit, and non-essential businesses were shut down. This, along with government shutdowns and the recent ice storm, caused a shortage in clients and bookings, making it impossible to save enough to reopen my salon.

Despite these setbacks, I am determined to get back on my feet and reopen my salon. The funds I raise will primarily go toward rent and the deposit for a new space, as well as a shampoo bowl, a UV sterilizer, a new updated station and a not so busted up styling chair. All things needed to pass inspection. Most of the funds will help cover rent for a few months to get me moved in and started. Reopening my salon would allow me to expand my services from locs and loose natural hair to other types of styling, provide more comfort and relaxation for my clients, and offer services to children and elderly clients again. I also hope to hold classes of all kinds, sell my homemade hair products and handmade jewelry, and give away a few free styles as I have in the past. The new space would also allow others to come in and teach small classes, like crafting and painting, creating a welcoming community hub. I would also love to showcase my son's artwork in the salon, which many of you are already familiar with, making the space even more special for everyone who visits. He taken a strong liking to drawing and music and has been a straight A student since he's started school. He's currently a 1st grader. I would also welcome space to nail techs or braiders on a pay by the day option and other small business owners to advertise their products or services. Oh! And also all the self published authors and authoress I know will have a space to showcase their publishings and sell! I've read some great stuff along with my very own self published natural hair journal!

I want to be able to leave something behind for my son when I can't do it anymore or no longer here. He says he wants to be a barber/truck driver/artist and I believe he's leaning into being a chef and a DJ like his uncle. Yep! All of that! He's such a joy!

I want to thank all supporters in advance, no matter how big or small the donation, and even if all you can do is share my fundraiser (because I could ask you to buy popcorn. Lol) Your support would mean the world to me and help me bring my dream back to life and make a life for my son. I'd be so grateful for any help you can give. This is me stepping out on faith with all the things going on in the world today.