OATS Tanning Salon Fire Relief Fund

Dear Grant relief team

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to share the significant impact the recent events have had on my business, OATS Tanning Salon & Academy, and to request relief assistance.

1. Severe Storms and Roadblocks: The heavy winds caused multiple trees to uproot in our area, resulting in roadblocks that made it impossible for customers to access my salon. In addition to the roadblock, there is ongoing debris in front of the business, making it dangerous and difficult for anyone to enter.
2. Loss of Business: The fires have had a profound effect on my clientele, with many customers cancelling appointments due to displacement or loss of their homes. The emotional and physical toll on our community has resulted in a sharp decline in bookings, leaving us with an extreme loss of revenue.
3. Poor Air Quality: The air quality in our area has been hazardous due to the fires. The ongoing smoke and chemicals in the air are not only a health risk to our staff and clients but have also made it impossible for people to visit our business safely.
4. Fire Damage to Salon: Our building has suffered from the fires as well, with thick black ash covering the exterior and surrounding areas. This damage has made the environment uninviting and unsafe, further deterring customers from returning.
5. Loss of Equipment and Products: Due to the extreme smoke damage, we have been forced to throw out expensive equipment that was rendered unusable. Our HVAC system had to be completely rehauled to cleanse the air of the pollution caused by the fires. In addition, we purchased air purifiers to help extract the smoke from the environment. Despite our best efforts, we lost power for an extended period, which resulted in all of our perishable products spoiling in the musty, polluted air.
6. Contaminated Water: The water in Pasadena has been chemically contaminated, and it is unsafe for us to use for cleaning or even basic sanitation. This has further complicated our recovery efforts, as we cannot wash anything properly or safely without risk to health.
7. Significant Loss of Income: As a result of the combined factors above, we are facing an overwhelming loss of income. The cancellations, roadblocks, and damages have left us in a financial crisis.
8. Employee Wage Loss: In addition to the financial strain on the business, our employees are facing a loss of wages as the salon has had to close or reduce hours due to safety concerns and the lack of customers.
9. Emotional Toll on Clients: The devastation that surrounds us has been heart-wrenching. Our salon has always been a safe, comforting space—a "feel good" place for many in our community. With the current situation, our clients are unable to come in, further adding to the emotional burden of the tragedy. It has been painful for both staff and clients to witness the distress in the community, knowing we are unable to offer the solace and support our clients depend on.

In addition to the challenges we are facing, as a business owner and pillar in the community, I have been actively working to support our local neighbors and first responders. We are providing donations and offering assistance in any way we can, even while navigating our own struggles. Our goal is to give back in the best capacity possible during this difficult time.

We are requesting financial relief to help cover the immediate and ongoing costs of recovery, including cleaning up debris, repairing damages to the building, replacing damaged equipment, and supporting our employees through this difficult period.

Thank you for considering our request. We appreciate any support you can provide to help us recover and rebuild during this challenging time.

Sincerely,
Tatiyana Baghdadlian

818-821-4855 

OATS Tanning Salon & Academy