Salons Rally Around Stylist who Lost Home to Fire

Salons in South Bethlehem and the Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley are rallying around a hair stylist who lost her Allentown home to a fire less than two weeks ago.

Micheila Diaz, her infant son, mother and sister barely escaped with the clothes on their back when a cooking oil fire destroyed their house on Susquehanna Street in Allentown on July 15.

Now the two salons where Diaz works, in South Bethlehem, and in the Promenade Shops, are taking up collections to help her and her family.

At Sweet & Sassy, salon employees will also be donating their time. In a special event on Thursday, from 3 to 8 p.m., 100 percent of every salon service booked – including haircuts, manicures and pedicures – will be donated to Diaz and her son, said Gabrielle Siwert, a floor manager for the salon.

Appointments are recommended, however. Call in advance at 610-797-9338.

In Bethlehem, the family’s plight prompted this email blast to Downtown Bethlehem Association members from , the city’s outgoing deputy director of Community and Economic Development:

“If you don’t know Micheila, she is an absolute sweet heart, who is always smiling and bringing smiles to those around her, and with the biggest heart of anyone that I know. I cannot imagine what she and her family must be going through right now. I am asking that you share this with her fellow downtown merchants, to ask for ANY kind of support they can give Micheila and her family.”

Versatile Strands and Sweet & Sassy have also both posted money collection jars near their registers. They are also collecting gift cars and gently used toys and clothes at Sweet & Sassy, Siwert said.

In a post on Sweet & Sassy’s Facebook page, Diaz expressed her gratitude to the outpouring of support: “Thank you so much everyone. I am in awe of the prayers, support, & donations directed towards my family. I am so grateful.”