PORT NECHES, Texas — For hair stylists, it may be awhile before they can cut hair again. That doesn't mean you should stop supporting their businesses if you're able.
It's something you can do right from your phone.
Brooke Bellanger and her employees have been out of work for three weeks.
Bellanger owns Spruce Barbershop in Port Neches.
"When we had to close it was kind of a shock. I really didn't expect the virus to get to where it is right now," Bellanger said.
Hair stylists and barbers live off of the service they provide. Until further notice, their source of income has stopped.
"A lot of these people live paycheck to paycheck, they have mouths to feed," Bellanger said.
That's why she decided to help. Bellanger and her friend created a website to allow people to donate money to staff members.
"You can just send five, six, ten bucks whatever, it's like a virtual tip jar basically," Bellanger said.
Now, she's looking out for other hair salons and barber shops too.
"Well then I was like, can we link every salon or business that's remotely interested in doing it? And he was like yeah duh, it's easy,"
As of Monday, there are 14 salons and eight individual stylists people can donate to.
RELATED: With salons, businesses closed, Southeast Texas families are left wondering how to make ends meet
"Mind you, this is to pay our bills and like eat right now," Bellanger said.
Spruce Barbershop hopes to reopen at the end of the month, but this pandemic presents uncertainty.
"It's just a really hard time for all of us, if you could help us that would be great," Bellanger said.
If you can't donate money, maybe someone you know can.
"Kind words, sharing our post, that's one of the best things that's been happening for us lately. I really enjoy the support of everybody in our community coming together," Bellanger said.
You can also purchase t-shirts or other products on the website.
Those profits will go to the employees at Spruce Barbershop.
