The buildings on 88 Greenpoint Road in Buffalo Flats have long been established commercial centres.
The initial owners of the buildings had encouraged the opening of shops, hair salons and a dental practice to serve the community in the area.
However, the owners have passed on and the buildings are now up for sale.
As such, the
Nicole Michelle Clayton established the business during Covid with the intention of providing high- end quality cosmetology services to patrons in Buffalo Flats, while contributing to job opportunities in the area.
Since opening her doors, she has kept the business going and her stylists employed despite the challenges of Covid, water shortages and load-shedding.
“My fear is that if the premises get sold to the wrong person or business, we might not have a business at all.
“We support seven girls who we feel responsible for, as the salon is their only source of income.
“We have zero investors in the area and all other avenues to secure the business have failed,” Clayton says.
The salon opened its doors in August 2020 and as a result, Clayton is unable to secure a loan given the short period it has been in operation.
“We, as a business, have not yet reached our full potential and have been barely making ends meet to keep the doors open due to the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Regular client Carol Jasson says the salon has become her trusted establishment for hair care because of the consistent standard the stylists maintain.
She says businesses within the community are important to protect and support.
“When people start something here in Buffalo Flats we get used to it and then when we are starting to rely on that thing, it suddenly has to close down because it can’t afford to be here any more. We need to support people from our community who are in business because it creates work for some people here.”
Jacqueline Wewege says: “This is such a professional salon with quality hair products … I will still drive from Kidd’s Beach just for the experience I’ve received … it’s more than just a salon, it’s a lifestyle and an experience. I will not do my hair elsewhere.”
To find out more about how to assist, please visit the salon at: 88 Greenpoint Road, Buffalo Flats, East London.
