West Orange Family 'Full Of Fear,' May Lose Beloved Barber Shop

WEST ORANGE, NJ —Betsy Nazario doesn't like to complain. After all, there are people suffering worse than her as the new coronavirus spreads throughout West Orange.

But that doesn't mean she and her family haven't been devastated in their own way.

Along with her husband, Benjamin, the co-owner of Hairport barber shop has come to a sad realization over the past few weeks: they may have to shut their doors for good after more than 14 years.

Normally, the pair can take care of about 150 clients a week between the two of them at their space on 448 Pleasant Valley Way. But now, after Gov. Phil Murphy's order to close all barbershops in the state to help slow the spread of COVID-19, things are looking grim.

READ MORE: NJ Coronavirus Updates (Here's What You Need To Know)

Losing their mom and pop-style shop wouldn't just put them out of a job, Nazario said. It would put them out of a living.

The Nazarios remained open until Murphy's order, struggling to scrape together what they could. They sanitized after each client. They did cuts by appointment only. They made people wait in their cars when more than five were in the shop at a time.

It was a losing battle.

Nazario said that she understands the reason behind the shutdown in New Jersey and across the nation. But that doesn't make the pain any less heart-wrenching.

"This is the only income we have," she told Patch. "My children are full of fear. We all are."

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'IT'S A CHALLENGE TO HAVE A BRICK AND MORTAR'

West Orange's businesses, like many across the state, have been hit hard by the economic crunch from the new coronavirus. And it’s up to the community to help them keep their heads above water in a dark time.

For those with cash to spare during the COVID-19 crisis, GoFundMe offers a database of “small businesses affected by the coronavirus” which can be seen here. As of Thursday, there was a West Orange business on the list, The Yoga Ground.

Learn more or make a donation.

According to the fundraising campaign:

"Hello! My name is Kristen Brunello. I live and own a business in West Orange. Like all yoga studios in NJ, I have had to temporarily close my business, The Yoga Ground, due to COVID-19. It is a challenge to have a brick & mortar and still be responsible for business bills. It is an extra challenge being a single woman in my 30s who supports my whole personal life with my studio's income as well. TYG quickly set in place several online programs to help fund our studio while we are closed - such as an online video database and Zoom classes, but what I anticipate making for the month of April is about $4,000 less than what I need. I know that most of the country & world is experiencing similar, or worse, hardship. And because of that, if you are unable to donate, I completely understand. Other ways that you can support us is by sharing this GoFundMe, or by letting us know if you have connections with private or public programs or schools that might have grant money to spend on virtual yoga for their staff, students, or those that they serve. If you are in a position to support us, any amount is truly appreciated. We will come back stronger than before, and we will continue to serve our students and community as we always have done. Any money donated will be used to support The Yoga Ground's operating expenses while we are closed. These include rent, utilities, and insurance. Any additional funds raised will be donated to COVID relief efforts."

WEST ORANGE BUSINESS DIRECTORY: OPEN/CLOSED?

Patch has created a directory that West Orange business owners can use to let customers know if they’re open or closed. You can check out the directory here, or add your business to the list via the form at the bottom of this article.

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