Seal Beach Salon Transitions to Sustainable Practices After Setbacks

Seal Beach's Commune Salon, co-owned by Chelsea Captan and Kristina Smith, has successfully pivoted to sustainability after facing significant challenges. They opened their doors in February 2020, only to close five weeks later due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Without access to PPP loans, the co-owners relied on community support to survive. Today, Commune is recognized for its commitment to eco-friendly practices, partnering with Green Circle Salons to recycle up to 95% of their waste, including hair, foils, and color tubes.

Smith noted that they now only throw away about half a trash bag daily. This partnership began in 2021 and has helped divert over 11 million pounds of beauty waste from landfills since 2009. Captan, who experienced health issues from toxic salon chemicals, has shifted to low-tox products, improving her health and creating a safer environment for clients.

Commune promotes inclusivity through genderless pricing and focuses on creating a community hub centered around kindness and environmental awareness. As Captan stated, they aim to intertwine creativity with consciousness, ensuring that every service contributes positively to the planet.