Travers Barber Shop Relocation Fund

Hi, I'm Wakefield Travers, and I own Travers International Shops and Salons. I am a Master Barber and have been cutting hair for nearly 30 years. My father was a barber, and I learned from him. About 15 years ago, after a car accident, I could no longer work in the IT field, so I started barbering full-time. I worked hard and was able to put my children through school. Years ago, I had my own spot, so I looked diligently for space after a while and finally found one.Interestingly, it was a spot I had almost 30 years ago. When I first moved in, my old landlord's owner was charming. I delved headlong into this sixty-year-old space, made significant improvements, and installed a masterful design.

After about a year, my landlord sold the property, and at first, I was told I would be able to stay. I was glad because I had sunk over $30,000 of my own money into the space. The shop was doing ok. I expect specific standards of excellence in behavior from my barbers and customers; in time, people get it. My customers have come to expect a family-like, comforting atmosphere that I work to maintain each day. The new owners have recently informed me that they will only renew my lease until May of 2023.

At first, I was devastated; I had put so much into this space because the new owners had verbally guaranteed me that I would be a long-term tenant. Well, that is not the case, and now I am looking for a new space. I know that I will have to start from scratch, so I am asking for your help.

Having just done this in 2021, I know the costs, time and energy to acquire a new space and get my shop up and running. This is why I am asking for your help. My shop has become a comforting place in my community where people can bring their children, elder parents and families to get a great haircut and salon experience that is comforting and inviting.

I want to thank you in advance for helping me. While this is an unexpected situation for me, I know things will turn out alright. I am looking for a space nearby, but it looks like some light construction work is needed. That is why I am asking for help now. I know that things will all go well.

Thank you so much for your support.