COVID-19 SALON LIFE
H
i my name is Ana and I live and work in Blackpool and my company is called the ultimate lash lounge.
When the devastating news but that we would need to close the salon and training academy for an unknown time we were all worried about what would happen to the business we spent so long building and how would we survive with zero income! As the months went on in lockdown it was hard to stay upbeat, money was getting tighter by the day. Luckily I was able to convert some training courses to partially online which gave a small amount of revenue. I did this at a reduced cost knowing myself how tough times were I wanted to help and give people something to do with their productive time. After 5 months we found we could open but with no treatments on the face and then my nail
16 Lashes
girl dropped the bombshell she was leaving. Could it get any worse! Yes, we then get told the day before we think we can Resume business including facials that it would be another 2 weeks! This news hit us hard, loyal clients that had been with us for years didn’t return after waiting so long when other people were offering their services, people were made redundant, people were still furloughed or scared and business the resumed is moving slow. Every step possible was made to make the salon safe, full PPE including disposable gloves, masks, visors and aprons are used for all clients. As well as our normal cleaning regime we now clean all areas between clients, this means longer times between clients to clean, have a drink, a bite to eat and get ready for the next client. We also have had anti-COVID-19 fogging done which makes us a safe zone for 28 days then it is done again. Sanitising points are all
through the salon, a sign-in book for COVID tracking, floors signs. You name it we have done it. Business doesn’t feel the same, you are afraid that you aren’t doing things right even though you have been following strict hygiene for years. On returning to work I was so anxious and worried it was an awful feeling. Training courses are now limited to 2 students per class for safety as per the HSE guidelines which also means a reduction in earnings but at least they can carry on and we know we are doing everything possible. What will the future hold? I don’t know, I built this business from scratch 20 years ago and honestly don’t know if we as an industry will survive such a hit.
GLOBE
www.ultimatelashloungebeautyandtraining.co.uk
