Boho, pink and Hurricane Ian strong

ENGLEWOOD — Kara Rae Hair Studio combines girlish charm infused with the resilience of Hurricane Ian survival.

It may seem like a strange combo, but it's a statement that exudes confidence.

Located at 4680 Placida Road, owner Kara Vabb is excited to finally be back at her official chamber reopened shop where she can get back to what she loves doing — styling hair.

"We had our reopening last November, but we never got to join the chamber because we've had too much going, so I was ready to join the chamber now," Vabb said. "Now that we're connected, we are so happy and excited."

Vabb's shop was damaged from Hurricane Ian back in September of 2022, but luckily the hair styling community of Englewood came together to give her a spot to continue business at Hair Company while remodeling efforts were underway.

"Those girls were so welcoming," she said. "We were able to work on customers while we rebuilt the salon which took 10 months to rebuild, but we did it."

Vabb said the employees at Hair Company became like her sisters throughout the remodel. When the remodel was finished, it was time for Vabb to get down to decorating.

"Pink is my favorite color, but before the storm, I did like basic stuff inside," she said. "After the storm, I had a whole new vision that I created from the storm like the influence of just being devastated, and I was like I want this to be bigger and better than ever."

Vabb incorporated the color pink with distressed boho elements to emulate the aggression of Ian, but the compassion of a community.

"My girls that work with me are such a huge influence on my life," she said. "I wanted it to be an influence of the three of us because we went through the storm together."

In terms of services, clients can expect a full range, especially colorings.

"From lightening services to Balayage to color cuts, we provide all kinds of services," she said. "We do basic cutting services as well."

For more information, visit

kararaehairstudio.com