When I first opened the doors of Steller Hair Company in 2013, it was built on a simple but powerful belief: that a haircut can be a vessel for connection, and that small acts of care can help create a more compassionate community. My dream was to build a space where everyone felt they truly belonged.

For more than 12 years, I’ve held tightly to that vision, and what we’ve created together has gone beyond anything I could have imagined, which is why it brings me such deep heartache to share that this chapter of Steller Hair Company is nearing its end.

The past five years have brought challenges none of us could have predicted—from the long-lasting impacts of COVID to the instability of today’s world. Through it all, I have remained committed to paying our team a livable wage and to preserving the values that define Steller. But we’ve reached a point where sustaining those commitments is no longer possible. I have spent many months consulting with business advisors to explore ways to keep the doors open without changing our model of offering our team members a livable wage and benefits. No stone has gone unturned, and it’s become clear that closing our doors is necessary.

My hope is to continue operating through the end of the year, giving our team time to find new salons to call home and allowing us to gracefully turn down the lights at Steller while honoring the legacy we’ve built together. To do that — to continue operating, to pay our team their full wages, and to navigate the complexities of this transition — I am humbly asking for help from our beloved Steller community.

If we can raise $15,000 by December 10th, we will be able to operate through the end of the year, providing meaningful employment and quality services without reducing the pay of our incredible team. If our goal is exceeded, we will have the ability to provide severance packages to support each individual's transition. Anything above this will be allocated towards transition costs and rebuilding the future of Steller.

Now more than ever, our world needs small businesses that care — those built by community, for community. Steller Hair Company has always been that. And now, we’re asking our community to stand with us as we prepare to say a tearful and intentional goodbye.

I know many businesses, families, and nonprofits are struggling right now. Please give if you can — even if it’s not to us — every act of generosity matters.

With the utmost gratitude,

Katie Steller