How you can support the businesses who lost their livelihood as a result of the tragedy.
On Sunday 8 March Glasgow’s Union Street went up in flames due to a vape shop explosion.
The building destroyed in Glasgow Central was a B listed Victorian Building from 1879. Public outcry has been heard today blaming the council for allowing a vape shop to be authorised in a historic piece of architecture that survived two world wars.
Although no serious injuries have been reported yet, the livelihood of many Glaswegians has been seriously damaged. The Glasgow Guardian has spoken to Haus of Hair business owner Gemma who has completely lost her salon that only opened last week. She stated:
“My business partner and close friend Aimee and I opened our own hair studio just last week, so this situation is absolutely devastating to us.
We funded the entire project ourselves and spent months working towards it. Alongside the support of our friends and family, we put an enormous amount of time, energy and care into creating the space.
Our goal was to build more than just a salon. We wanted to create an environment where everyone feels safe and welcome while getting their hair done. Inclusivity is incredibly important to us, and that includes making our studio a supportive space for the lgbtq+ and trans community. We also offer tailored services to meet individual needs, such as silent appointments for clients who are neurodivergent or who may find traditional salon environments overwhelming.
This studio represents months of hard work, personal investment and a genuine commitment to creating a place where people can feel comfortable, respected and well looked after”.
Another business lost to the fire was Byran’s salon The Curl Shop . Inside the salon is Emma, a nail technician who after years of building has lost all of her kit. She spoke to The Glasgow Guardian stating:
“So many small businesses who have spent years of time and money, facing the risk of it financially not working out to succeed and for it to be burnt down in a matter of hours is devastating. I want everyone to know that I stand with everyone who was affected”.
Despite the devastating emergency, there has been a surge of support from the community such as Cece’s salon who has already funded over £7000 of the 10k goal, proving that people still make Glasgow.
If you would like to help support Gemma and Aimee their donations page is linked here.
Byran’s go-fund-me is linked here.
Emma’s go-fund-me is linked here.
Image Credits: Martin Brownlie
