LETTER: Final days for Sunflower Salon
August 4, 2026To the Community:
After 17 1/2 years, I never imagined I would be writing this.
With a very heavy heart, I have made the difficult decision to close my boutique and relocate my salon services to a small space in my home. Life has placed me in a position where I need to be home with my son, and while the decision has been incredibly painful, it is the right one for my family.
Many of you know that my son, Jake, has been through an unimaginable journey. Since April 17, he has endured countless surgeries and procedures-far too many to explain, and honestly, still too difficult to put into words. The good news is he is recovering. He has started to walk again, and for that I am endlessly grateful. But our journey isn't over. There are still more surgeries, more recovery, and more time that he needs me by his side.
I want to apologize for being so quiet these past few months. Trauma has a way of narrowing your world, and my entire heart and focus have been with Jake. Thank you for giving me the grace to be absent.
Over the past 17 1/2 years, I have learned the true meaning of community because of you all. What began as customers walking through my door became friendships, laughter, encouragement, and relationships I will cherish forever. Many of you came into my life as strangers and became people I now hold close to my heart. I can never adequately express my gratitude for the love and support you have shown my family.
The GoFundMe that I thought I did not want ended up giving me exactly what I needed most – the ability to stay with Jake without worrying about food, gas, or paying the bills. The tears I cried reading your messages and seeing your generosity are something I will never forget. You carried us through one of the hardest seasons of our lives, and I will be forever grateful.
Our current location at 2 North Main St. will officially close at the end of this month. Before we say goodbye to this beautiful space, I will be holding one final sale on Saturday-Sunday, Aug. 15-16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Everything in the boutique will be $15 per item: clothing, denim, sequins, jackets, handbags, jewelry… everything. In addition, all of the store fixtures, displays, tables, decor garlands, Christmas decorations, etc., will be priced to sell.
I have a feeling these two days are going to be emotional. If I cry when I see you, please know it's because this place holds 17 1/2 years of your memories, and every one of you has been a part of them.
While I am closing my boutique, I am not saying goodbye to doing hair. I am currently renovating a small space in my home, and I hope to be welcoming guests there in about 4-6 weeks. My goal is to keep the same landline phone number, and I will share all the details very soon. It will be a much smaller, quieter, and more intimate space, and I truly look forward to continuing to care for my salon guests there.
If you found another stylist while I was away, I completely understand. I did not leave you with many options, and I am genuinely happy you found someone to care for you. If you choose to continue this next chapter with me, I cannot wait to see you again. I have missed you more than you know.
There is still more to come, and I will keep you updated as I move forward.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Thank you for your kindness, your patience, your prayers, your encouragement, and for making this little business so much more than I ever dreamed it could be.
With all the love in my heart,
Kelly Richardson, owner
Sunflower Salon, Waterbury