Like a lot of people, I was sad to read about the closure of Bladez Hair and Beauty salon in Dundee at the end of March.
This fantastic salon at Panmurefield was owned by Karen Ward, a friend of my family.
It had been visited by many people over the last 14 years, including my mum who was a regular at the salon.
But unfortunately the Covid pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis took their toll. And last month Karen told The Courier she could no longer afford to keep the business open.
It felt like a sad note to end on. And judging from the responses to Karen’s announcement about the salon closure, it seemed like a lot of people in Dundee felt the same way.
So when I found out that Karen had found a way to continue hairdressing, I was over the moon for her.
Salon rebirth is part of wider Dundee success story
She is now the proud owner of KW Hair, a brand-new salon, which she has opened in her garden.
I paid her a visit last week and was amazed at what she has managed to achieve in less than a month since Bladez’ closure.
The atmosphere was warm. The set-up was fantastic. And Karen has shown everyone that you can’t keep a good businesswoman down.
To see her bounce back from that setback is a brilliant example of that famous Dundee fighting spirit.
This is a city which has had its fair share of knocks over the years with the loss of some of the industries on which its wealth was built.
The fact that it is doing so well now, with successful businesses in sectors like computer games and life sciences, and a booming tourism market, is down to the drive and determination of Dundonians like Karen and all the generations that have come before her.
Salon will continue Dundee Hair Bank sideline
Karen is used to seeing people overcome challenges every day though.
Aside from her regular work as a stylist, she provides an outstanding service to people who have cancer and alopecia through her Dundee Hair Bank project.
She works with the NHS and her own clients and donates styled wigs to people who need them because they have lost their own hair due to illness, or medical treatment.
Her efforts on behalf of Dundee Hair Bank will continue as part of her new garden enterprise.
Karen’s mother lived with alopecia. And she cites her struggles and her courage as the reason she is so determined to make life better for others facing similar challenges.
With examples like that all around her, perhaps its no surprise that her business has been reborn.
Whether it’s Karen with her new salon, people living with serious illnesses, or friends and neighbours overcoming setbacks large and small every single day, you don’t need to look far for inspiration in Dundee.
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