Hunterlockx & Fam Roof Replacement & Storm Recovery

This year has been really tough on my son, Arik’s business, Hunterlockx. Arik went back to school last year to finish his cosmetology and didn’t have any other employees to help back him up during that time, which was his initial setback, and I had not worked there in over a year.

I went back to Hunterlockx to run the business with Arik again in March this year, and it just seems the economy itself is struggling. However, Tampa had its first moderate storm of the year in May, and we had very staggered clients coming in throughout summer. Definitely not in line with where Hunterlockx had maintained as a top 3 Tampa and Florida overall dreadlock salon over the past 5 years.

We picked up in August and were slammed as the Hillsborough County school year began, but almost simultaneously, Tropical Storm Debby (August), Hurricane Helene (September), and Hurricane Milton (October) all directly affected Tampa and made loc maintenance for most a very low priority on the financial scale, practically halting production for both of us. Milton was the worst, as we both lost power at my home from Wednesday night to Sunday night and Arik’s until Monday, respectively. Arik additionally lost about 50-60% of the roof on his home, where the salon studio is also located.

We are in the process of applying for disaster assistance, but funds have halted until more is approved by Congress. In the meantime, we are in despair and require immediate assistance. Arik was 24 when he mortgaged his home to run a tax-paying, licensed business and has been very successful even in the first year. He continues to be ambitious in growing the business, and I love that we are able to work together as a family team. But as a mother, I will do all I can to keep him from losing what he’s worked hard to build.

If you are able to help support us both in this great time of need, we would greatly appreciate your generosity. Thank you for your kind consideration, as any little bit can add up to a lot, and we will always pay it forward one day when we are able to do so. Sending love and hugs to all my family, friends, associates, and others willing to help us during this time of very humbling request.