California [COVID-19] Dreamin'
Author: Zoie McClouskey
As I'm writing this, it is my 46th day in quarantine. I live in San Diego, CA... Our official state shut down left me in complete shock (have you seen Contagion?? Yeah, THAT!) I had already been notified that my night job as an educator at Bellus Academy would be shutting down in a physical setting the week before our full state shut down ensued.
I was able to squeeze in one last full week of work; I consider myself extremely fortunate as I am a member of the Sola Fam, and because we are each individual studios, there are always less than 10 people in a space at a time, so we were able to continue to follow regulations for a little bit longer than traditional salons.
During this time, I have taken the initiative to not only invest in technical classes, but business courses as well as preparing myself for what is to come. I am an anxiety-ridden Virgo, and if I don't plan, I would honestly fall apart. Once I learned of the states that would be reopening before CA, I immediately looked online to find what new regulations were being set forth.
Whether or not CA followed suit, I wanted to be prepared for anything. Throughout this, I wanted to make sure I had my orders placed and ready before everything got sold out, had long delivery times or the prices were jacked up.
The following is a list of items I have ordered (whether they've been received yet or not,)
- Touchless thermometer
Assuming temps will be needing to be taken, this is the most sanitary way
- Extra capes
Because it is just me at the studio, keeping on top of laundry will not be too difficult, but I wanted to order more just in case! I know I'll be busy coming back.
- Biodegradable/ compostable disposable capes
I did order some disposable capes, as some of the states are requiring that. I wanted to avoid waste as much as possible, so I found an eco-friendly version so I still can keep true to my personal beliefs.
-A giant jar of Barbicide
I already have *some* Barbicide at the studio, but knowing how much more I will be disinfecting, I want to make damn sure I don't run out.
- Barbicide WIPES!!!
These are an amazing thing to have on hand. I don't normally use these because I just put Barbicide in a bottle to spray and wipe down- BUT that needs to sit for 10 MINUTES!! Or it is not effective. We all know damn well that we aren't going to have time to let disinfectant sit for 10 minutes between our busy schedule. (and if we DO have 10 minutes, I would rather go pee, drink water or eat a snack.) the wipes only need 2 minutes to be effective. Win/ win!
-A giant tub of backbar sized hand sanitizer
Found mine here
-A pack of single use masks
Again, assuming CA follows suite for requiring face masks worn by both stylist and client, I want to make sure I have some on hand, I have asked my guests bring their own, but I would love to avoid getting their ear straps soggy at the shampoo bowl, or getting color on the ear straps.
I am honestly very excited to reopen
I am stoked to be in a position where all I have to worry about is myself. I know this is not the case for other salon owners in a traditional setting with employees. I believe in full transparency with my guests, and I always have. I have done by best to keep everyone in the loop with information that is appropriate and necessary for my guests to hear.
Since the full shut down, I did not reschedule anyone because I knew it would be an indefinite time frame. To save my sanity, I just kept everything in place as it was, so once I get the go-ahead to reopen, I can work in the order of whoever would have had an appointment.
This made the most sense for me personally, and I have made my guests aware of this as well.
As far as keeping my guests in the loop
I have filled them in with emails and texts letting them know what to possibly expect upon returning to the salon. This way, when I'm waving a thermometer in their face at my door, they are prepared.
Another key piece of information I have been transparent about with my guests is PRICING!!
Pricing will absolutely not be the same moving forward. My prices will be increasing at their next visit.
I have seen a lot of people talking about charging less because of the chance you may not be able to perform a blow dry, or talking about how they are not going to be increasing their prices when we return.
Please, please, PLEASE you guys, think about what you are saying!
Even without doing a blow dry - you still have to take the extra time, before, during AND AFTER each guest to sanitize properly. Some places even have to fully shut down the salon after one hour appointment time slots to properly sanitize the entire salon before the next round of guests.
That is so much time!!
Not only that
We are going to be dealing with grown OUT hair. This means more regrowth, possible at home color, at home haircuts, the oops-I-saw-a-video-on-tik-tok-and-tried-it-myself clients.
This is going to require more time and more product. It is just plain business, you guys. It would be irresponsible to keep your business afloat by using more product and not charging more.
Every extra thing I have had to buy, just to operate on my normal day, adds up! $30 thermometer, $40 masks, $30 on variety of disinfectants, $50 new capes, etc etc
Consider raising your prices a "hazard tax."
On top of your longer than normal day, and more tedious than normal services, we have to do it all covered in a mask, over heating and with stifled breathing. I don't know if any of you have practiced blow drying for 35-45 minutes with a mask on yet, but it is fucking exhausting. (probably practice that now, because it's our near future.)
Believe me, your guests are probably expecting a price increase coming their way. As always, being transparent with my guests has received nothing but positive feedback. I have assured everyone that if they have any issues with the new pricing structure, that they can feel free to reach out to me and we can make sure we work something out that fits their needs with the current state of the world.
It is absolutely necessary to raise your prices to continue to thrive during this crazy time.
The majority of my prices only went up $5-10 depending on the service, some services didn't go up at all!
Cost of gas goes up, rent goes up, tuition at schools gets raised, all of our clients understand inflation, it's a part of life.
I believe if I am raising my prices, I must continue to give stellar customer service. I cannot justify raising my prices, if the experience I am providing doesn't reflect that.
During this time…
I have invested in countless webinars, technical, business, etc. I have practiced and learned new techniques, I have added more merchandise to my inventory. I have made sure to check in and be a support to my guests during this time even though I can't see them in person. Once I get back in the studio, I will ensure to keep my space a comfortable and pleasant place to be despite all the new regulations that might dampen the pep in my step. Always remember, our guests want to support us and see us do well so we can continue to make them feel amazing.
I feel confident to reopen and comfortable that with everything going on that is out of my control, I am taking a handle on the things I CAN control. I am super stoked to have the opportunity for basically new heads of hair in my chair, I think it's an exciting time to inspire change and encourage our guests to take some new steps with their hairs!
I will also say, the leadership at SOLA San Diego is incredible and set us up for success in the closing process. During the beginning of shut downs and COVID findings, Sola S.D. was on top of sanitation to an elevated standard. In addition to our normal daily cleaning crew, they had frequent cleaning of the common areas, as well as a hospital grade disinfectant cold fogged through the buildings to ensure we were all able to continue taking our guests and knowing we were as sanitary as possible. Throughout the entire process, they have kept us up to date with all the updates of information from the state, and provided us with amazing support and inspiration. I know upon reopening, this support and inspiration will absolutely continue in months to come, not to brag but, Sola SD is basically the best;)