When hairstylists Chelsea Captan and Kristina Smith opened Commune Salon in February 2020, they couldn’t have predicted that their dream space would shut down just five weeks later. The pandemic forced salons across the country to close, but for the new co-owners, it became an unexpected test of purpose and partnership.
“We were barely open before we realized we had to close,” Smith said. “We didn’t qualify for any PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) loans because we were brand new. But our stylists, our clients and our community came through. Everyone pitched in to help us survive.”
Today, Commune stands as a thriving example of how creativity, sustainability and community can coexist in the beauty industry. Nestled in the heart of Seal Beach, the salon is both an oasis for clients seeking low-tox hair care and a hub for environmental action…