Nairobi News

Media personality Betty Kyalo’s chic Flair spa and hairdressing salon has been put up for public auction by Keysian Auctioneers.

In a notice in today’s newspapers, the auctioneers said they had been asked by the client, who is the landlord, to sell the equipment inside Flair in order to pay the rent.

The salon, which originally opened at the FCB Mihrab building on Lenana Road, relocated to George Padmore Road in Nairobi.

Among the items that will be up for grabs are three pieces of dismantled wall shelves, massage bed stand, small serving rack, white shelf with a cabinet stand, glass shelf, two pieces of black oval glass partitions, hanan shelf, binatone microwave, hanging globe bulbs, coat hanger, top massage stone heater, nine pieces of CCTV camera, Huawei router, foot massage, among other assorted materials.

Other items include four pieces of pink seats, plastic pink seat, four pieces of small rolling seats, seven pieces of grey seats, wooden stool, five pieces of green puffs, office table, black round seat, TV stand, folding chair, round stool, floor carpet, small glossy table, white cupboard (3 glasses missing), Ramtron single door fridge, mirror, five pieces of white tables and four pieces of plastic trolleys.

“On the instructions of our principals, we will sell the above goods by public auction on Wednesday 17, 2024 from 11am at Leakey’s Storage Limited, Lunga Lunga Road, Nairobi,” said the auctioneer.

Several attempts to reach Betty by phone were unsuccessful as both her numbers were either disconnected or switched off. Additionally, messages sent via WhatsApp and traditional text messages remain unanswered.

Similarly, the official phone line for the Flair By Betty salon was unavailable, but did offer the option of leaving a voice message.

At the time of going to press, she released a ststement on her Instagram.

She stated that her other beauty business, After Shave, is still up and running.

“Thanks for the calls and texts but mimi niko sawa. Many Kenyans are going through the most in business. Many people have closed businesses in this country. I let it go… but Flair will be back. Just a matter of time. Also …. today we reopen @aftershavebyflair Upperhill, La Baita. We have expanded, we are bigger. Gentlemen Come for a haircut.”

Explaining why she is being auctioned, Betty said, “Obviously running a business in Kenya has become so difficult. Landlords don’t want to reduce rent and it becomes a huge burden on businesses that are struggling because of the economic slowdown.”

She added, “I let it go. I am happier. I sleep better. My peace of mind is more important than a name. I’m good.”

The vibrant spa, launched in 2018 and set to open in 2020, offers professional services.

This comes as the media personality expands her services with the launch of Aftershave by Flair, which is derived from Flair by Betty.

The relaunch event was attended by Ida Odinga, where the former K24 news anchor said the spa would be moved to a more spacious location in the Kilimani area.

“The last few days have been hectic and when I finally launch the salon, I will just look for a place and just go and relax, just pat myself on the back… I have not been sleeping well, I have been having anxiety, I wake up in the middle of the night wondering if everything is going to be all right,” Ms Kyallo sad at the relaunch of her multi-million dollar business.

Tea, juice and wine were served to customers at Flair by Betty.