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A Black-Owned Salon is Raising Money to Rebuild

Fort Greene's Salon Rhed is struggling to rebuild after a devastating arson responsible for thousands of dollars worth of damage.
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Courtesy of Google Maps

Fort Greene’s Salon Rhed raising money to rebuild after devastating arson, reports The Brooklyn Paper.

The business is now attempting to rebuild after a fire on May 31 devastated the Myrtle Avenue storefront, keeping employees out of work for weeks.

According to owner Keron Cumberbatch, damages to the Black-owned business were so extensive he had to close the salon entirely.

“The cause of the fire is still unknown and being investigated, however it is responsible for thousands of dollars worth of damage and employees being out of work,” reads a message to supporters. “We are asking for your support during this time as we work to build back the Salon Rhed that Fort Greene residents have come to love.”

Now in the aftermath of the fire, Cumberbatch is focused on rebuilding as quickly as possible. And to help cover the costs of renovations, one of the salon owner’s family members organized a GoFundMe that has raised about $12,500 of its $20,000 goal.

“The GoFundMe was mostly to take care of the immediate expenses because of the abrupt end of business,” Cumberbatch said. “So right now we’re trying to maneuver through the reopening process and deal with the insurance company and deal with the fire department.”

And while the salon has been able to offer some of its services at its second location, Spa Rhed, the company has still seen a tremendous dip in business.

“No one really prepares you for stuff like that. It’s daunting but it’s a process. It’s overwhelming but it’s something that you have to go through,” he said. “We did have a second location on the same block that we could do some services out of but not at the same capacity that we could work in the salon.”

Many faithful customers and community members have donated to the cause and left encouraging messages on the crowdfunding page.

“Here’s to rebuilding the salon and making new memories in the community,” wrote one donor.

To donate to Salon Rhed's GoFundMe click here.




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