Before I started my own business I wanted to figure out how to incorporate sliding scale into my services. Having been behind the chair for nearly 20 years I see first hand how important “just a haircut” is for people. A good haircut can change our life, and everyone is deserving of one. It has been a dream to create a system that provides for all, while still sustaining business.

When I started working for myself, I shifted my service menu from a la carte to hourly pricing, and went gratuity free. This meant I could charge a price that allowed me a livable wage - and not have to rely on tips to get by. I learned that some of my clients could no longer afford my services, but some clients were still trying to tip. So I created a pretty cut and dry “Pay it Forward” program. Any $$ from clients that tipped me out went into a mutual aid pool, and I started offering a sliding sale service with a minimum that was half the cost of my hourly price. This allowed me to provide services at a rate that others could afford, while still ensuring that I could get what I needed to keep myself and my business afloat. True mutual aid.

Now that I have a team I have launched this Pay it Forward program for each one of my stylists. Any client can now leave a donation with their stylist to Pay it Forward to our community. This supports our neighbors, keeps the team paid a livable wage for the incredible work they do and helps keep the lights on at the salon. While a haircut might not seem “essential” right now, things like restoration, relaxation, confidence, community, care and human connection are - especially for marginalized communities facing adversity.

Running a salon in these unpredictable and challenging times feels strange and, honestly, uncomfortable. I see so many businesses taking a more performative approach to community care. Now more than ever it is so important to participate with action and support for each other, but I cannot do it alone. I need your help.

There is a Pay it Forward option in the booking menu. You can “book” this same day service (donation), and all proceeds will go towards someone in need within the community.

I will be posting monthly on our social media the donations we have received as well as the amount of service we have given, so that there is accountability.

If you are in need of a sliding scale service, please reach out to your stylist directly, or fill out the questionnaire after booking.