The Bar offers normalcy, pampering after Sinlaku

A haircut, manicure, or even a complimentary drink may seem simple, but for many residents still recovering from the aftermath of Super Typhoon Sinlaku, businesses like The Bar are helping restore a sense of normalcy on Saipan.

Owner Kat Coldeen said the one-stop salon and bar concept has remained busy since reopening after the storm, with residents eager to refresh and reset after weeks of hardship.

“We’re very busy. Since we’ve opened, we have launched a promo and so we have been getting a lot of appointments just to give the community a sense of normalcy and pamper themselves after these difficult times,” Coldeen said.

The business launched its “Typhoon Sinlaku Promo Refresh and Reset,” offering discounted barber and salon services to help residents get back on their feet.

“Our promo, we have $8 barber men and boys haircuts for first responders, and then we have regular boys and men haircuts for $10,” she said. “For our nail section, we have gel mani and gel pedi for $15 each, and all our women’s services for hair are 20% off.”

Coldeen added that Guam-based company Runit Guam later partnered with The Bar to provide free services for dozens of residents affected by the typhoon.

“Runit Guam is a small printing company in Guam, and they heard about the bar’s promo to help the community refresh and reset,” she said. “So they made a donation where we were able to take in a lot of clients, and all our services were free.”

She estimated that around 60 to 65 clients benefited from the free services.

While The Bar escaped catastrophic damage from Sinlaku, the business still sustained flooding, mold, and water damage inside the salon.

“Thankfully, we did not sustain major damages, but we did have flooding inside the salon. We did have mold. We do have water damages to our wall, and we’re just waiting for FEMA to inspect,” Coldeen said.

The Bar resumed operations last May 4 after deep cleaning and sanitizing the facility.

“We also wanted to give the staff some time to also deal with their personal situations because their safety and also their families come first,” she said.

What makes The Bar unique on Saipan is its all-in-one concept, combining barber, hair, nail, and drink services in one location.

“I realized that in Saipan, you have to go to different places to get different services done,” Coldeen said. “I thought it would be so great if we had a one-stop shop where the whole family can just come and get all the services done at the same time.”

She said the idea was inspired by similar businesses in the mainland United States that combine salon services with a bar atmosphere.

“The States also has one-stop salons, but they also have a bar where they serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks as well. That’s why I just added that idea to this shop,” she said.

Customers receiving services are offered complimentary beverages, including water, iced tea, beer, wine, and champagne.

Coldeen also credited Docomo Pacific for helping The Bar quickly restore communications after Sinlaku disrupted their internet and landline services.

“So actually our Docomo line fell off the grid during Typhoon Sinlaku and of course I reported it,” she said. “Once I reported it, someone got back to me and they provided us with a new router.”

Coldeen said Docomo Pacific also provided a temporary cellphone so calls to the business could continue while the landline system remained down.

“They gave us a cellphone so that all the calls will be forwarded to that cellphone until everything is back to normal,” she said. “Docomo was really quick…and they were able to set us up the first day we went into operation.”

Coldeen also believes small businesses play a vital role in helping the local economy recover after disasters.

“During this economic crisis, opening a new business would be actually helpful,” she said. “Small businesses are always the backbone of the economy.”

Employees say the welcoming environment keeps clients returning.

LJ Jasmilona, The Bar’s hairstylist, said, “This is a good experience working here.”

“As long as we are giving a good service to them,” Jasmilona said when asked about loyal customers returning regularly.

Receptionist and bartender Hershey Ngiracheliong said she enjoys both the team atmosphere and meeting customers.

“The best part is working with the team and also meeting the new clients,” she said.

Barber Joe Antonio said interacting with clients is one of the highlights of the job.

“Honestly, it’s working with a good group of people and seeing many different people come in the chair,” Antonio said. “I enjoy socializing and meeting new people.”

Customer Onick Ragbonshe, who has been visiting The Bar for nearly two years, praised the atmosphere inside the shop.

“I like the barber, he knows my style and I like the way he works,” Ragbansi said. “It’s like a friendly environment.”

First-time customer Chiaralei Mendoza also praised the salon’s atmosphere and service.

“The style here is so nice and so elegant,” Mendoza said. “And the service here is actually really kind.”