SPOKANE, Wash. — Heartbreaker Studio reopened Wednesday after two separate incidents in less than a week caused extensive damage to the downtown Spokane salon.
Employees were working Friday when a vehicle crashed into the salon after it was struck by another car, leaving a large hole in the studio and taking down a window. No one was hurt.
The crash damaged salon chairs, desks and tables, along with the window and its frame, Higgins said. Staff members spent the weekend cleaning and restoring the business in hopes of reopening for clients.
But when workers arrived Tuesday morning, they found another setback: the studio’s front door had been shattered.
“It was honestly devastating,” Higgins said. “It was kind of like, how could this happen right after what we just had happen?”
A man was arrested in connection with the damaged door, according to Higgins. She said nothing was taken from the business.
Higgins said the two incidents have caused at least $10,000 in damage. She is contacting the salon’s insurance carrier to learn what costs may be covered and said community members have already contributed through a GoFundMe fundraiser.
For stylist Emily Custer, the crash was especially alarming. She was with a young client when it happened and said she heard the impact before she could see what had occurred.
“I heard a very, very loud bang, crash, boom, whatever you want to call it,” Custer said. “It sounded like a bomb, to be honest with you.”
Custer said she now feels nervous coming to work and believes the city should consider barriers or other protections for downtown businesses located at street corners.
“We’re the ones who keep this place spunky and alive,” Custer said. “If you care about our business and you care about us, then you’re going to do something to help out.”
Despite the damage and disruption, Heartbreaker Studio reopened Wednesday. Higgins said she hopes the incidents mark the end of a difficult week for the business and its staff.
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