The Ornate Onyx Salon Fire : Rising from the Ashes

On the night of August 2nd, 2025, the unthinkable happened. A fire swept above and through the building that The Ornate Onyx called home, leaving behind only smoke, ash, and heartbreak. What was once a warm and inviting space filled with laughter, conversation, and the care of clients was suddenly reduced to an usable space. The fire not only displaced my salon, but also uprooted the lives and routines of every professional who worked within those walls and the clients who considered it a safe haven.

The Ornate Onyx was never just a salon. It was a place where people came to relax, to be heard, and to feel cared for. I prided myself on creating a space that celebrated individuality and detail, where beauty was never rushed but nurtured with patience and skill. Losing that environment so suddenly has been devastating, not only for me personally as the owner but for every client who found comfort in our chairs and every professional who poured their artistry into their work.

In the days that followed, our community showed some of us who were displaced the true meaning of resilience and connection. News outlets across Kentucky and beyond picked up our story, shining a spotlight on what we lost but also on what we stand for: a community built on care, artistry, and authenticity. The journey of loss and rebuilding reached audiences far and wide, and though the coverage was emotional, it also gave me hope. It reminded me that even in moments of tragedy, there is power in storytelling, and there is strength in community.

Rebuilding after such a devastating loss has not been easy. Every day brings new challenges: securing temporary spaces, replacing tools and materials, and planning for a new future that can honor what The Ornate Onyx stood for while also embracing fresh beginnings. This journey is deeply personal, and it is one I never expected to take. But as with all things in life, adversity has a way of sharpening purpose and redefining vision.

For me, this tragedy has reinforced why I started The Ornate Onyx in the first place. My mission was never just about nails or beauty services—it was about creating a space where real people felt seen, heard, and valued. In the beauty industry, it can often feel like only celebrity technicians or large, impersonal brands receive recognition. But The Ornate Onyx has always been about the working nail techs, the people in the trenches of day-to-day service, who dedicate themselves to clients not for fame, but for passion and connection. That spirit will remain at the forefront of everything I do moving forward.

I have already been fortunate enough to receive support and acknowledgment from both local media and the wider nail tech community, including recognition through our GoFundMe campaign, which shared the story of our loss. While donations are available through that platform, at this time what I most need from my beloved clientele and community is not money, but patience and understanding. This has been a difficult time for everyone who was displaced by the fire—not just me. Stylists, nail technicians, and clients alike lost a piece of their daily routine, and the absence of our space has left a noticeable void.

Rebuilding a salon is not as simple as finding four walls and a chair. It requires permits, planning, design, and an incredible amount of emotional and physical energy. For clients, this means longer waits, rescheduled appointments, and the challenge of adjusting to temporary changes. I know this has been frustrating, and I cannot thank you enough for standing by me, waiting with grace, and continuing to offer encouragement.

Patience is a virtue, and in times like these, it is also a gift. Every word of support, every check-in message, and every client who says “I’ll wait for you” has helped me put one foot in front of the other. It is your patience and kindness that fuels this rebuild, not just financially or physically, but emotionally.

When The Ornate Onyx reopens its doors, it will not just be a return to business—it will be a rebirth. I am rebranding and refocusing, not as a salon that only keeps up with trends, but as one that sets the tone for what it means to prioritize artistry, authenticity, and care. This fire has forced me to take a step back and reflect, and what I see now is a future where The Ornate Onyx shines even brighter than before.

Our comeback will be built on three pillars:

1. Community First – My clients are not just customers, they are family. I will continue to prioritize the relationships and trust that have always been at the heart of my work.

2. Real-World Nail Techs – The beauty industry can sometimes overlook the professionals who make it thrive. At The Ornate Onyx, I will champion everyday nail artists, those who work tirelessly to bring beauty and care into the lives of their clients without celebrity spotlight.

3. A Renewed Space – The rebuilt salon will not just replace what was lost, but elevate it. Expect an environment designed with intention, comfort, and artistry in mind—a true reflection of resilience and rebirth.

Though this chapter has been painful, I believe in silver linings. The fire may have taken our space, but it has not taken mine or anyone’s spirit. It has reminded us all, of our strength, our purpose, and the unwavering support of our community. It has also given myself a chance to reflect on the kind of future I want to build, one that is sustainable, client-centered, and resilient.

To my clients: thank you for your patience. Thank you for waiting, for understanding, and for believing in The Ornate Onyx. Your loyalty means more than I can ever express in words, and I promise that every ounce of effort I pour into rebuilding will be to honor the trust you’ve placed in me.

As I move forward, please continue to keep The Ornate Onyx in your thoughts and conversations. Share our story, remember our journey, and walk alongside us as we rise from the ashes. Rebuilding takes time, but with the patience and support of this incredible community, I know that our salon will once again become a home for artistry, care, and connection.

The road ahead is long, but together, we will make it through.

– The Ornate Onyx