An Interview with Tania Rice

Who had the experience of going back to work after lockdown in her country and is happy to share feedback from her journey so far.

My name is Tania Rice. I am a Journeyperson Esthetician in Regina, Saskatchewan. I have been working in the esthetics for over 12 years and have owned my own studio for the past 8 years.

Tania, you have had your restrictions lifted a while ago, were you apprehensive about being in close contact with clients?

We have been open for about 6 weeks now. I wasn’t worried about being too close to clients, I was more worried about getting all the protocols in place. I have had the same clientele for years so I trust them and they trust me. I was also very clear about the new protocols in place and communicated that through social media, my website, email and text reminders.

How did your clients react to the fact you were able to offer appointments and treatments again?

I emailed my clients to let them know that I would be turning my online booking on a certain date and time. Then when it was that time, I had 37 appointments booked online in the first minute. Clients said they had set their alarms and even had their husbands log on to book appointments for them. They were pretty excited!

What precautions did you have to put in place?

(PPE, spacing out in the salon, limiting students in courses)

The protocols weren’t very detailed. One of the items was you had to wear a mask. But they never explain what kind of mask. After a few emails back and forth to the government, we were able to get more detailed protocols.

Employees had to wear masks, aprons/smocks, and safety glasses. Clients had to stay 6 feet apart from everyone. Businesses were not allowed to serve drinks, have magazines out or allow clients to use the bathroom unless absolutely necessary. Clients were not allowed to bring a friend or children to appointments and had to clean their hands upon entering the business. There were also more cleaning and sanitation protocols.

As far as the sanitation I already had everything in place before the pandemic so that part wasn’t difficult. I work alone so I just had to make sure there were no clients coming and going at the same time. I allowed 15 minutes extra in-between clients to make sure that never happened.

I also had to wear safety glasses and a mask for the first time.

How were the first few weeks back and what is the feedback?

I was really nervous. But after a day or 2, I got back into the groove of things. If anything it was more relaxing because I had so much time in-between clients. Client said they never had any hesitation to come back to get services. I already had pretty high standards for cleaning and safety.

Did you have another restriction where you were not able to work or salons had to close?

What was the reaction from clients?

No, we haven’t had any other restrictions since our initial closure.

How was your experience with clients, have all your clients returned or did you find that some are more cautious or did you in fact gain new clients?

The majority returned quickly. I do have a few clients who are immunocompromised or care for vulnerable people that have not returned yet. I have only lost 2 clients who started to DIY their services at home but It seems that everyone else has developed an appreciation to the quality of my services.

Do you think that things will get back to what they used to be or will it be a “new normal” that we have to get used to?

People are much more aware of personal space. I think this is the new normal. It might be years before we can stop wearing safely googles and masks at work. I’m ok with that though.

What would be your advice for all the therapists who are eagerly waiting to go back to work?

You have to up your retail game. With booking clients so far apart you will be making less money. Make sure you have the essentials on hand so you are a one-stop beauty shop for your clients.

The first week, book yourself breaks throughout the day. Many of us aren’t used to wearing masks and smocks and goggles. They will be annoying and you will want to adjust them all the time. You’ll get used to it. Connect with other professionals online in your area who are opening at the same time to share ideas on how you can get over certain problems or even just to vent. It will also be overstimulating and your body will be sore. You’ve been out of the game for a couple of months and it will. take your body and mind to get used to working again

Is there anything you would or could have done differently?

I don’t think so.

Has your set up changed or have you made plans to adapt anything for the future?

The only thing that has changed is that I have a hand sanitizing station outside my front door. I don’t think that there is anything more I could improve to make my space safer.