Located in the heart of Hartford, Beauty Bridge salon is more than just a hair care and beauty business — it's a sanctuary of hope and transformation for many women.
Founded by the mother-daughter team of Saasha Plefka and Dede Caldwell, two women with a visionary with a passion for giving back, Beauty Bridge is rewriting the narrative of beauty and empowerment.
Beauty Bridge is a nonprofit salon that provides a variety of beauty and haircare services for women in need. Saasha and Dede, both of whom have worked in the beauty and haircare industry for many years and own their own beauty salons, developed the concept in the summer of 2020, amidst the challenges of the pandemic.
"We wanted to do more give-back work when we reopened," Saasha recalls. "We dreamed of a nonprofit salon—a place where women in need could receive top-rate services without financial barriers."
A native of San Diego who now calls Connecticut home, Saasha shares her journey from esthetician to the driving force behind Beauty Bridge.
"I moved to Connecticut 27 years ago for my first job," Saasha explains. "Little did I know it would lead me to this beautiful endeavor."
Growing up in a salon environment under the guidance of her mother, Saasha was immersed in the world of beauty and compassion since childhood. Witnessing firsthand the transformative power of a simple haircut or a moment of pampering, Saasha envisioned a space where beauty wasn't just skin deep—it was a catalyst for change.
In 2021, Beauty Bridge opened its first salon in Sarasota, Florida, followed by the second one here in Hartford. Their unique hybrid model blends profit with purpose, offering paid services alongside volunteer-driven initiatives.
"Our clients are the people who pay, and our guests are the people who are coming in for services that they're not paying for," Saasha explains. "Our guests are coming from partner organizations like Interval House and YWCA."
The nonprofit's impact goes beyond haircuts and facials. Saasha recounts heartwarming moments where women, facing adversity, found solace and confidence within the salon's walls.
"One woman said to me, 'I feel like I don't have to hide anymore.' That's the power of beauty—it's about reclaiming one's identity and self-worth."
Beauty Bridge reaches women rebuilding their lives after addiction, trauma, or domestic violence.
"We see ourselves as a piece of the puzzle," Saasha reflects. "Our goal is to empower these women, one transformation at a time."
Central to its success is its community-driven approach. Numerous stylists and estheticians volunteer with the organization.
"Our volunteers are the heartbeat of Beauty Bridge," Saasha says.
Saasha envisions Beauty Bridge evolving into a broader organization, one that would host workshops, classes, and events that foster creativity and connection.
"My ultimate goal, and we have seen this in our Florida location, is that some of our guests actually become clients," Saasha adds. "Many of them are working on rebuilding their lives and don't necessarily want free services. They want to be able to pamper themselves, but they're at a point where they don't have that extra income."
To support Beauty Bridge's mission, Saasha encourages financial donations through their website or PayPal. Additionally, the salon accepts donations of toiletries, hair care products, purses, and all other new or lightly-used items that women would need and enjoy.
Volunteer stylists have also organized donation drives with their clients to gather essential items for those in need. Non-hairdressers can also contribute by indulging in Beauty Bridge's pampering services, knowing that their support helps sustain the business model while making a meaningful difference in the lives of women seeking transformation and empowerment.
As Beauty Bridge continues to grow, Saasha remains grounded in her mission: to redefine beauty as a force for good. "Beauty isn't a luxury—it's a fundamental expression of self-worth."
Beauty Bridge
1429 Park St, Suite 208, Hartford
860-778-3548
Online: Beautybridge.org
Email: Info@beautybridgehartford@gmail.com
On Facebook: @beautybridgefoundation
On Instagram: @beautybridgehartford
"Our goal is to empower these women, one transformation at a time."
