See How you Can Get a Free Haircut This Month
Written By: Keana McGrath
Photography Provided By: Michael Soberanes Photography Gila Rut
This month, Gila Rut Salon celebrated 25 wonderful years in the San Diego Community. As a way to give thanks the community for all of its support over the years, Gila Rut employees ventured to the Ronald McDonald house on July 24 to give 25 makeovers to the families there!
Keri-Davis Duffy and her mother, Carol Davis, started Gila Rut Salon in 1992 in Hillcrest, San Diego. Their partner Karla-Lopez Martinez joined in 2006, and they have now expanded to two other locations in Otay Ranch as well as The Torrey Hills Shopping Center in Del Mar.
In a conversation with Keri, I asked her exactly what “Gila Rut” means. “Gila is the Hebrew name for happiness, and Rut stands for freedom or friendship, which are values that we believe our company embodies.” And that it does. Gila Rut Salon has been giving back to the community since it’s beginnings. According to Keri, they have been giving makeovers to families in the Ronald McDonald house for over a decade. In fact, they used to set up a transportation system to bus families over to their salons to be able to get their hair done for free. So, when picking a charity to donate to in celebration of their 25th anniversary, the Ronald McDonald House was a no brainer. “We have been supporting this organization for years, so for us, choosing to go work with the Ronald McDonald House was like coming home,” Keri shared.
The Ronald McDonald House is a charity that houses families with children who are terminally ill. The families can be close in proximity to their kids, who are being treated across the street at Rady Children’s Hospital. The house recently built a two-chair hair salon for its residents, which is where Gila Rut hosted their event. “The families and guardians are so involved in their children’s health that they forget to think or care about themselves,” Keri said. “We want to give back by making them feel taken care of and cared for as well. Nurturing them gives back to us.”
So, on July 24, 25 volunteers from Gila Rut’s Salons made their way over to the Ronald McDonald house to give massages, haircuts, makeup, facial treatments and more for 25 of the residents. In addition to this event, all three Gila Rut locations will be running a promotion all throughout the month of July, where new clients and walk-ins can receive free services for a donation made to the Ronald McDonald House! Clients who donate $20 will receive a blowout, and $10 donations are good for hand treatments, facials and conditioning scalp treatments!
Keri shared Gila Rut’s mission statement: “Gila Rut’s mission is to involve you in the ultimate salon experience, in a peaceful and nurturing environment with a warm and committed team who work together to provide excellence.” Gila Rut is not only a salon, but also a company that gives back. Not just one day of the year, but for the past 25.
Owner Keri-Davis Duffy of Gila Rut Salon Celebrates 25 Years in Hillcrest, See How She Gives Back to the Community
