As salons in Georgia, reopened for business, Beauty Changes Lives caught up with hairstylist Joanna Grant. A 2016 Vidal Sassoon Professional Beauty Education scholarship recipient, Joanna is a hairstylist at Van Michael Salon in Atlanta. Preparing for her first day back in the salon, Joanna shared her perspective on what she expects to be a βnew normalβ behind the chair.
When will you start back in the salon?
JG: My first day back is Monday, May 4. Itβs been a long time since lockdown measures started, but Iβm glad the salon provided its team members with a choice regarding the day we return to the salon. Itβs a very personal decision and itβs important for both hairstylists and our clients to feel safe.
What did you do to stay busy and positive during lockdown?Β Β
JG: Most of my family does not live in the U.S., so Iβm really grateful for technology that helped us connect virtually and make it through a stressful time. Beyond helping me connect with family and friends, technology also provided an opportunity to keep learning. Dexterity is important β you canβt just put your shears down and walk away. I watched a lot of presentations and discussions presented by the Van Michaelβs team, various Aveda artists and hairstylists all over the globe.
Additionally, the lockdown provided an opportunity for a pause and a chance to rethink my priorities and what is meaningful. One insight was that I donβt view this career as work. I had a bit of an epiphany: Β I donβt have to work; I get to work.
From a financial perspective, how did you adapt to uncertain economic times?
JGβ Iβm so grateful for the Van Michael teamβs approach. The salon implemented no layoffs or furloughing and gave stylists the choice about when we re-enter the salon.
Did clients reach out during the lockdown?
JG: Yes; a few clients asked me to make house calls. Communication was important β explaining to clients that their safety Is important to me and why itβs important to have protocols implemented to keep all of us protected.
How comfortable do you feel returning to the salon?
JG: Iβm very reassured by the extreme measures the team has taken to make sure hairstylists and clients are safe. Masks are required of all who enter the salon along with temperature checks. Iβll be wearing a face shield when serving clients and weβll be wearing gloves. From a service perspective, weβre asking clients to come in with their hair washed as we wonβt be doing blow drying, with the exception of extensions and keratin treatments performed only on Sunday.
How are you helping clients feel comfortable returning to the salon?
JG: The process at Van Michael starts with the re-bookings or new appointments when a client calls in. We have a questionnaire that includes questions such as whether a client has been ill in the past 14 days or been in contact with anyone who has been ill in the last 14 days. All of my booking and re-booking clients have expressed appreciation for the precautions we are taking.
What are you most looking forward to when you return to the salon on May 4?
JG: Our βnormalβ has changed. Iβm eager to discover how to best care for my clients in this new normal. I want to listen and understand how I can help clients feel comfortable in the salon. There is a lot of anxiety now so I want to be part of a safe space where clients can be heard and cared for. Fear isnβt necessarily a bad thing. Through listening and implementing responsible safeguards we can help clients feel comfortable as we find a new normal.
