SARASOTA COUNTY (WSNN) – After Governor DeSantis lifted most restrictions for the eating industry, Derek The Salon hairstylists are giving away free haircuts to restaurant workers.
State Street Operations Manager, Alexa Doyer, is going into work as a new woman.
“That’s always the best, walking in the door getting a haircut knowing everybody is going to say, ‘Oooh you look good,’” Doyer said.
Derek The Salon hairstylists are going around town handing out gift cards for free hair cuts to restaurant workers.
“We just figured they’ve been out of work for six to eight months,” Owner, Derek Donovan said. “When I hand them to the manager, I feel like there’s a little apprehension and I’m like there are no strings attached, and they’re very thankful, it’s amazing.”
“I felt like a kid at Christmas,” Doyer said. “They came in with these really cool little envelopes; looks just like a gift card, and it was a really great gesture from him and the salon to do that for us.”
Donovan says they’re giving out more than 300 gift cards or about four thousand dollars in salon service; Shampoo, Blow Dry, and a Haircut.
The free hair cuts began in March, but then everything closed, so they stopped. Now, after Governor Ron DeSantis reopened all restaurants and bars, they’re back to giving back.
State Street closed for about a month and slowly began to reopen with a skeleton crew. Doyer says they had to let go of staff since they’re not doing brunch or lunch anymore. And she says money has been tight.
“We’re watching our wallets and that, for me was an extra,” Doyer said. “I wasn’t going to go until things kind of got back on track. So this really allowed me to do the self-care that I was neglecting.”
Hairstylist Scott Gregory says he knows hair care can be expensive, so a fresh hair cut can go a long way.
“And just making somebody feel good and look good is to me, really what this is all about,” Gregory said. “So I’m excited to be a part of it.”
Doyer says a weight has been lifted.
“Feeling fantastic,” Doyer said.
“Definitely in hard times, it’s really positive to give back,” Donovan said. “I love this community, it’s been very very good to us.”
Restaurant workers have to bring a pay stub and the gift card to an appointment.
