Introduction A Bridgeport beauty supply store owner, Whitney Cumbo, is speaking out after her business was vandalized yet again. This incident is not an isolated one; Cumbo, the owner of Prima, has had to deal with numerous vandalism episodes affecting her business.
Repeated Vandalism Incidents “The previous incident, it was a guy on a bike that was riding and punching out the window,” Cumbo said. “Before that, there was a guy who rode up and threw a rock at my window and smashed it. It’s a really ongoing event and I feel like it needs to be heard and seen.”
Cumbo started her small business alongside her sister five years ago. They chose Bridgeport because it’s close to where they grew up and feels like home. Despite their intentions to create a welcoming and positive environment, the business has been repeatedly targeted by vandals.
Feeling Targeted and Frustrated Recently, Cumbo expressed feelings of being targeted because of her race. “As an African-American woman, I wasn’t really dealt the cards,” Cumbo said. “And the truth is that while I try and struggle for no reason at all, I constantly have setbacks.”
Latest Incident The most recent vandalism occurred on Tuesday, June 18. Cumbo is still waiting for the store’s front window to be repaired while also waiting for the Chicago police to apprehend the responsible party. The ongoing issue has not only caused financial strain but also emotional distress for Cumbo and her employees.
Employee Perspective “It’s frustrating to know that we’re in a good place, we have good intentions, we give off good energy and we create a good atmosphere,” employee Donte Miles told NBC Chicago. Despite their efforts to foster a positive community space, the repeated vandalism has been disheartening for the entire team.
Police Investigation No one has been detained for the vandalism incidents, and police continue to investigate. The lack of resolution has left Cumbo and her employees feeling vulnerable and unsupported.
Conclusion Whitney Cumbo’s story highlights the challenges small business owners face, particularly those from marginalized communities. Her resilience in the face of adversity underscores the need for community support and effective law enforcement to protect local businesses.
