08/30/2026
I AM BEYOND FRUSTRATED WITH HOW THIS FIRE HAS AFFECTED MY SMALL BUSINESS.
On August 25, a fire occurred in the common laundry room at the salon-suite building where Body Balance Sculpting operates. Since then, my business has been closed, I have been unable to see clients, and my losses continue to grow.
What makes this even more frustrating is how the rent situation is now being handled.
After the fire, management sent us a written message stating:
“When we reopen, we are going to work out an abatement on your rent for each of you for the week of closure.”
We were later told about a corporate disaster/hardship assistance program. Management again stated in writing that they had planned to provide a rent abatement but were asking tenants to apply for assistance “in lieu of an abatement.”
And we were specifically told:
“If you get turned down, please let me know. I would do so immediately.”
I do not qualify for the disaster-assistance funds.
Now, after the salon has remained closed and is going into a second week, I received an email stating:
“There is no abatement in the event of a fire or casualty.”
So yes, I am extremely frustrated.
I paid rent for the week the fire occurred, yet I could not operate my business for substantially that entire week. We are now entering another week of closure. The anticipated reopening has been pushed back again, is still not definite, and the building still must receive approval before reopening.
Meanwhile, I have had to cancel and reschedule clients, discard affected professional products and supplies, deal with smoke and soot exposure to expensive specialized equipment, and lose income because I cannot operate.
I understand that a fire affects everyone involved. But small-business owners should not be told one thing in writing immediately after a disaster and then be told something completely different when it comes time to honor it.
I have worked incredibly hard to build Body Balance Sculpting. My clients mean everything to me, and I will continue doing everything possible to protect them and my business.
I have saved every email, text message, photograph and document related to what has happened.
To every client who has been patient, understanding and supportive during this incredibly difficult situation: thank you. It means more to me than you know. ❤️
I will continue standing up for my business and for what I was told in writing.
