Creative hair brand Keash, who specialise in braiding and hair accessorising, have created a hardship fund to raise money for four London salons. Across the country, Covid-19 has had a devastating financial impact on small businesses; but with an average income loss of £17,074.36 and only 70% of businesses planning to continue as normal, London takes the lead in damages. Keash’s founder and CEO Taiba Akhuetie set up a GoFundMe to raise financial relief for each of the four chosen salons struggling to make ends meet. “Black-owned hair businesses are often depicted as lesser — poorly managed, budget establishments that are unworthy of the high-street. I launched Keash out of the hope that one day we wouldn’t be forced into a corner, and could co-exist as thriving businesses like everyone else.”

Akhuetie tells us, “I grew up watching women in salons and my mum’s friends braiding hair and while I appreciated the art, I didn’t appreciate it as much as I do now. These salons struggle as it is, regardless of Covid-19, and don’t get the same opportunities to function in the same way and spaces as white salons. I want to give back and thank them for the inspiration they gave me when I was younger.” For a city that is notorious for its competitive and individualistic nature, this community-driven mindset of giving back and supporting those around you is not only a great cause, it’s also necessary in times of doom and gloom.

Click here to help Taiba Akhuetie help her community.