Last September, Caitlyn Patch was celebrating the successful opening of her brand-new salon and spa—a long-held dream for the single mother of school-aged twins. After more than two decades of pampering her clients at other establishments in Asheville and across the U.S. and Europe, Patch took a risk and opened her own space in late May of 2024, Rustic Ritual Beauty, located in the Biltmore Village area of Asheville at 51Thompson Street.

Those who attended the salon’s grand opening on June 7 witnessed first-hand Patch’s vision come to life, as described in the event press release: “Rustic Ritual is not just a beauty shop; it is a sanctuary for self-care, committed to promoting clean, effortless beauty and enriching lives while making a positive impact on the community and the environment.”

Then came Helene.

Where once stood a place bathed in radiant natural light, adorned with brightly painted walls displaying the works of local artists, was now unrecognizable—washing away Patch’s dream, her vision, her months-long painstaking efforts to create an inviting space where customers could enjoy personalized attention to enhance their natural beauty and overall well-being.

Almost a year later, after months of searching her heart—and her pocketbook—for next steps following the storm, Patch announces a new location for Rustic Ritual, now open at 244 Short Coxe Ave. near downtown Asheville, about a mile and a half north of where the Swannanoa River crested at more than 26 feet during the storm.

“It has been a tough year in so many ways,” said Patch. “But my heartache was replaced with grit and determination—and now, I’m thrilled to celebrate along with our community that we made it through the storm. Rustic Ritual is once again a place where Asheville locals and visitors can discover and indulge in a range of transformative clean beauty treatments and products. We can’t wait to serve customers, old and new, at our wonderful, light-filled location in the popular South Slope.”

Patch will host an open house at the new salon from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27—one year since the devastation of Helene—offering the opportunity for reflection and connection, with light bites and beverages served. That event will be followed the next day by a block party, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 28, where neighboring businesses will join together to offer a day of pampering, self-care, celebration, and more:

·       Rustic Ritual: Mini scalp massages and yoga classes

·       Sauna House: Pilates classes and a mobile sauna

·       Bakery and cafe Mother: Wood fired pizza

·       Farewell coffee café: Coffee

The event's donated proceeds will benefit local Helene rebuilding organizations, said Patch, adding, “I am just so grateful for the out-pouring of support I have received from family, friends, local community groups such as Operation Blessing, and the incredible support from my long-time clientele.”

Source: Rustic Ritual.