Our Local Business Leaders Will Be Bringing People (Back) Together!

by Bob Blaisse, Publisher of Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors magazine

With nearly all businesses closed except those declared to be essential, I could argue every business is essential when they are a Sponsor of Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors. In speaking with our Sponsors during these times of quarantine, I can assure you these times are especially difficult for most of our hometown business leaders. But they all know life will return to normal, and our magazine Sponsors hold great hope their loyal customers will return with intention to Buy Local with gratitude for their keeping our magazine coming in the mail during the months we were homebound.

I asked one of Sponsors and Expert Contributors, Michele Quinn, owner of Blush Salon, to share some of her thoughts about these times. Michele has allowed me to share her thoughts with our readers.

Michele Quinn, Expert Contributor and Co-Owner of Blush Salon

How have these past months been for you as an owner of a business forced to be closed?

Michele: The quarantine has me feeling a lot of different emotions, as I’m sure most business owners can understand. To start, I’m missing what used to be my usual day-to-day routine: Waking up, drinking coffee while doing my hair and makeup for the day, and getting dressed in anything other than sweatpants! Now, I look in the mirror to see the same messy bun, my face free of makeup, outgrown roots with my highlighted blonde ends. And my haircut is barely a style anymore. I know all the women out there can relate! And on the other side, I have been faced with many decisions, all which are based upon the uncertain future. Making sure that those decisions are best for employees financially, their career and overall livelihood, and best for our guests as well. I’m keeping up on social media so we can stay connected the only way we know how during this time. I cannot wait to reopen our salons and get back to doing what I love! It hurts to know our clients need us and we have had to be closed so long.

Is the hardest part not knowing when you can reopen?

Michele: Oh yeah! That’s the question I have no answer for. It’s very tough, and things are constantly changing. First April, then May, now crossing our fingers for June. Fortunately, our clients send us continuous love and support. This will come to an end. And I cannot thank each and every one of our clients enough for their understanding, patience, and support. We love you!

Can you be operating your business in other ways?

Michele: We’re offering virtual consultations, product pickups, and we’re keeping our guests up to date through emails. In this unsure, crazy time we’re living in, we are sure of one thing: When we can finally open our doors, we know we’ll be flooded with appointments and we can’t wait! When that time comes, we’ll be opening earlier and closing later, and of course, as always, open 7 days a week.

Will things change when Blush Salon is able to reopen?

Michele: A lot will change. We will have restrictions and guidelines to follow. To name a few: mandatory masks, washing your hands upon entry, when pulling into the parking lot for your appointment, you’ll have to call from your car, to let us know you’re here, rather than coming into the waiting area in the salon. Only half our employees will be allowed to be working at one time. We will do everything that’s required and even more, to create a safe and healthy environment for everyone who walks through our doors.

What would you like to share with our Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors Readers?

Michele: First and foremost: We miss you! But on a more serious note, we know it’s always asked for readers to shop local, and not just with Sponsors of the magazine but all small businesses. It’s more important than ever to support our town. And lastly: Get ready to look and feel better than ever because Blush Salon is ready to help our Newtown Square clients look and feel the best they have ever looked!

Michele Quinn is the co-owner of Blush Salon, along with Brittany Naab, inaugural Sponsors of Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors, Expert Contributors of hair care feature articles for our magazine. I cannot wait until Michele and Brittany start cutting hair again. My hair is beginning to look like it did in my high school yearbook! To reach Michele Quinn, visit www.BlushLooks.com or email her at MQuinn@BlushLooks.com.