When Astou Sy came to the United States from Mauritania in 2006, she spoke no English. However, she spoke the international language of style, specifically the tradition of African hair braiding.
After starting her hair salon – Dada Hair Braiding – in 2006, Sy developed a steady clientele and experienced business growth before COVID-19 restrictions shut down her homebased salon. In an instant, Sy went from having positive cash flow to having no income at all through her business.
With plans to expand her business beyond her home, Sy’s dreams of growth came to a halt at the onset of the pandemic. After connecting with a local business consultant, Sy reached out to CRF and completed her PPP application.
With her PPP funds approved, Sy was able to move her business out of her house and rent a salon space to serve her clientele once service businesses re-opened in Ohio. Sy plans to create two jobs in her new, expanded salon during the coming year and feels optimistic about the future of her business.
