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You may go into a barber shop and see someone playing chess or watching
a game or boxing match. The commentary is full of energy and
may become a debate every now and then. There’s nothing like
seeing brothers dap it up, talk to young men about life and
to see young boys getting clean cut for school as their
parents often look on.
Likewise, when women go into a salon, they have looked forward to their
appointment and can be seen relaxing, reading a book under
the dryer or watching a movie and discussing it with other
customers. When their hair is done, they often feel magical,
like they just had their crown adjusted and they leave ready
to seize the day with confidence.
Black barbers and hair stylists are often self-employed; not many work
in chain salons these days. So there isn’t much income
earned by way of hourly wages that are paid out on a weekly
or bi- weekly schedule. They also may own a salon or shop or
rent a booth.
For many, hair cultivation is a primary source of income and has
sustained the livelihood of these small business owners for
years. While several barbers operate on a walk-in basis,
salon owners tend to schedule appointments to provide
one-on-one service with as little wait time as possible.
There is a science to it all, maintaining a space, a
schedule, finances, building and equipment maintenance and
balancing family. But they do it, and some even involve
their families in their businesses.
With the rapid changes the coronavirus pandemic has imposed on everyone,
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has mandated that most businesses
close their doors, including salons and barber shops. He has
also issued a “stay home” order as well, keeping people
indoors unless it is absolutely necessary to go out.
This new normal of being indoors, not working and trying to plan next
steps has proven to be a challenge for salon and barber shop
owners.
“Honestly, it has affected me and other stylists a lot. It was very
unexpected so now we have to find other ways to provide for
our families because we can’t work in the salon and it’s
illegal to work from home. I am still responsible for paying
rent at a location I can’t occupy or operate in. Should this
go on for a prolonged period of time, I will be forced to
seek employment alternatives.” stated Alondra Hadley, owner
of The Social Lounge Salon in South Toledo.
This is a sentiment that has resonated among these small business owners
who may be scrambling to find a way to continue caring for
their families with as little disruption as possible. “This
pandemic has really hurt small businesses greatly. I am very
hopeful that we as an industry, community, city, state and a
nation will come through this. I will now begin
restructuring and planning for the long haul. Although I
have more financial responsibilities now, I’m in a better
situation compared to the last recession,” said Doug Keetion,
owner of Studio 329.
While many weren’t prepared for the uncertainty this pandemic has
created, some stylists are cautiously optimistic. Tiffany
Thomas is a local stylist/braider who just added
apprenticeship training to her business stated, “People are
still trying to book and unfortunately I have to turn them
away; but with savings, it allows me to be okay until this
blows over.”
In small business, there aren’t a lot of resources in place for
situations as unique and as abrupt as the COVID 19 social
distancing has caused. Keetion continues, “I'm disappointed
in the insurance industry. Most business insurance policies
have a product for loss of income. They don't tell you until
you file a claim they don't cover a virus. I wish all the
governors will follow New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy; he's
passing a law to make all insurance companies cover all
claims from Covid 19. The saddest part is insurance
companies want businesses to still pay premiums and their
businesses are closed due to this virus, lacking empathy for
us.”
Many small businesses are often uninsured. The current $2 trillion
economic stimulus plan, as introduced in Congress, is being
ironed out in Washington, as of Monday this week. It could
provide a great relief to these struggling businesses who
could potentially fold under these closures.
Although both Democrats and Republicans agree on the urgency of the
matter, they can’t agree on all of the proposed provisions
which currently would give families of four up to $3,000,
expand unemployment benefits and offer loans to tide over
small businesses like hair salons. Democrats are blocking
moving ahead because Republicans are resisting that portion
of the proposition. Negotiations continue and it is hoped
that a favorable vote will take place this week.
Just last month, The Toledo Museum of Art’s Circle Group, in partnership
with ProMedica, hosted The Art of the Cut, where nearly
1,000 guests attended throughout the day. Local barbers took
center stage to create haircuts from yesterday, today and
the future. Because barber shops are often sanctuaries for
men, Robin Charney of ProMedica, has been going into the
shops for over two years, talking about black men’s health,
while offering free health screenings.
A partnership that has evolved into an event that brings art and health
together on one platform. One of the barbers featured at Art
of the Cut was Andre Johnson of Fletcher’s Hair Design in
West Toledo. While this temporary shutdown has affected his
business somewhat, his part-time employment in a local
factory helps him take care of his immediate needs until the
quarantine passes. When asked if he and the other barbers
keep in touch, he said “Yes, but since we are unsure of how
long this will last, we are doing our best to prepare to
reopen when the time comes.”
Ray Vargas, who also was an Art of the Cut participant and owner of
Victory Barber shop in West Toledo shared that while
everything is put on hold, he has a back-up plan. However,
having to close his business down, not being able to do what
he loves is also heart wrenching.
The Beauty Mark Luxury Beauty Bar, slated to open next month is delayed
due to the quarantine. Owner Ty’Keysha Harris said she will
continue renovations throughout this time since she has
invested in her new salon. “This is my main source of
income, so it’s definitely taking a toll on my budget. Even
though they’ve given us a grace period to not pay certain
bills, they will still accumulate and be due once this
epidemic is over. I have a young song to care for and I
don’t want to be in a financial hole. I’ve come too far to
not see this vision come to pass!”
As these salons and barber shops sit closed, with darkened windows, and
uncertainty mounts, barbers and hairstylists alike are
hopeful for a new lease on business when the lights are back
on, and their chairs are filled again.
Larry Walker is a stylist at Studio 329 and has a positive perspective
on the situation. “Well this whole thing is a reality check.
I feel like for me it’s a reset. Time to reflect on me and
what I’m actually doing in the world. I worked for a few
days from home but stopped and at this point I’m relying on
God to do what he said and be a provider and to be a
shoulder and to be my eyes when I can’t see! I’m just gonna
get myself in position for the bounce back because once this
lifts, we will be bombarded by people wanting their pretty
back!”
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