Hi, I’m Shelley, founder of Beards & Bellas - a gender and culturally inclusive beauty, grooming, and wellness boutique in Evanston/Chicago, IL that uplifts local and minority-owned brands and creates a safe and joyful space for our community.

A few months ago, I discovered a bullet fragment inside near our storefront window, and it was believed that the window had been shot out. Before I could even process or recover from that, a second window was broken shortly after. These incidents shook me to my core - not just as a business owner, but as a woman creating a safe space for others. Not to mention that the ink was barely dry on the lease.

I made the immediate and necessary decision to install security shutters, which cost $15,000 out of pocket. Money I did not have budgeted but had to find to keep our space and community safe.

Now, I need your help.

I’m raising $25,000 to recover from this emergency installation, cover rent, and to continue supporting the small local brands B&B was created to uplift. This isn’t just about a storefront - it’s about protecting a mission, preserving a safe space, and pushing forward in the face of fear and uncertainty.