2 Westport Hair Salons Merge Due To Coronavirus

WESTPORT, CT — The salon Born of Earth Day Spa was taken over by Artistex Salon & Spa late last month in an effort to survive as the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to harm businesses in the state and around the country.

"We look forward to our merger with Artistex Salon & Spa and the owner Odete DaSilva," said David Gerard, owner of Born of Earth, in a statement. The full operation is housed at the Artistex location at 260 Post Road East in Westport. "We are thankful to her for taking us all on so we can still offer you our services in a new beautiful setting."

Born of Earth closed after 27 years due to the increasingly difficult landscape for many small businesses due to the virus.

At the height of Connecticut's coronavirus crisis in the spring, DaSilva was an outspoken critic of Gov. Ned Lamont's salon reopening plans, which were rolled out haphazardly she and other salon owners said.

"This has been a very difficult decision to make but, it is in the best interest of my staff and my clients," Gerard said. "Due to the increasing rent and overhead, as well as the present Covid pandemic which limits the services that we are offer making it impossible for us to keep our doors open."

All Born of Earth gift certificates still outstanding will be redeemable at Artistex, and Born of Earth's series also will continue, according to Gerard. The shuttered salon's phone number also will remain operational at 203-226-0888; the number for Artistex is 203-222-0344.

"My entire staff and I would like to thank all our clients as well as all the many other businesses in the Fairfield County community and beyond that have been there and supported us for so long," Gerard said. "It has truly been a privilege and an honor to call Westport our home for all these many years."