With Disease Comes Disaster: How to Accept That This is Our New Reality
Okay, guys… this post is going to be a little bit different than what you’re probably used to reading on here. This post is going to be very harsh and very real because the truth of the matter is, this virus is very harsh and very real. This is our new reality. It does not have a blood type, it does not have an age preference, it does not discriminate. We are ALL at risk but some of us more than others and the sooner we all realize that, the better. Another thing we need to realize is that our society will never be the same again, not just in regards to all of the beautiful citizens our state will lose and the families that will be broken up but our economy will be reflecting times similar to the Great Depression once all is said and done.
We can’t control what is happening around us but we can control how we react to it and how we move forward. The best way to do that is to prepare for any and every potential outcome, no matter how bizarre or extreme because quite frankly, who could have predicted that our new reality would be something this extreme? Up to this point, our government and the media have been wrong at just about every turn. The numbers of cases have been miscalculated, ways that the virus can be passed have been misjudged, and our country-wide reopening deadlines have been set and re-established time and time again. Knowing that, please be prepared that the government will also be wrong about how long we need to distance ourselves from one another and how long businesses should be remained closed. This is a new monster that we are all facing so of course, how could one predict the outcome for an event that has never happened at this magnitude in American history.
In a situation like this where economic strife will leave a lasting impact on our country, you can never be too prepared. Here are some very real circumstances that may come into fruition in these coming weeks that we should all consider:
The virus continues to be a problem for the next year+.
With salons/ spas ordered to close for months at a time, COVID-19 continues to infect the populace in waves. Every time we take a step forward, the virus knocks us two steps back.
The government doesn’t provide enough relief.
This is all something we’re terrified of and even though some utility, housing, and credit card companies are being lenient during these tough times, bills are not going away. Over time, that leniency will also fade and companies will no long be as forgiving. Additionally, even if the financial relief is enough to float us for a couple of months, what if we don’t receive that relief in time or even worse, what if we don’t qualify?
The reality of absolute economic downfall.
By the time this is all over, our economy may be thrown into a deep depression that makes the 2008 recession look like a cake walk and that alone took close to 3 years to recover from. If our financial infrastructure buckles like economists are predicting, we will be looking at a decade before things start to get back to normal.
These are all extreme outcomes but all plausible so use this time to get ahead now. Not sure where to start? Let us help.
- First and foremost, do not by any means apply for a loan or any lines of credit out of desperation. Since lenders are obviously aware of what is going on with the economy at the moment, it will be incredibly hard to obtain a loan from anyone since there’s less of a chance they’ll make their money back with unemployment rates hitting an all time high. Even if you do manage to qualify for a loan, the interest rates attached to them will only put you further in debt. DO NOT DO IT. You’ll be in worse shape at the end of this than you would have been originally. You should only accept debt when you’re confident you’ll be able to pay it back quickly.
- Take advantage of state resources. Instead of watching the news all day, think of ways you can work to generate a revenue outside of the beauty industry and no, this does not include doing hair from home. That’s illegal and not worth losing your license over just to make a few extra bucks. The Ohio.gov website has a list of Ohio companies that have openings and are actively hiring for immediate start. Swallow your pride and understand that this is only temporary.
- Use this down time to really connect with your clients and build your brand. You may not be making an income right now but set up a plan to implement new marketing techniques that could help increase your revenue once your salon/ spa is opened back up. Check out this blog by Stephanie Mitchell on some creative salon/ spa promotional ideas to execute during COVID-19.
- Learn a new skill and finesse it! Money may be tight right now but if you use this quarantine as an opportunity to be proactive for the future, by the time you do get back to your salon/ spa, you could have more skills to offer which means you have a reason to charge more. The internet is a beautiful, beautiful thing, my friends. Research new waxing techniques or hair dying applications and WATCH. WATCH. WATCH. Learn as much as you can and practice on yourself, on your mannequins, and on your house mates. Clients will pay more for a good experience so even if it’s a service they’ve been coming to you for years for, if you perform that service in less time and with a greater outcome, they will pay more for that! Invest in yourself and others will invest in you.
- Be sure to utilize all of the financial relief services that our government is providing. Check out this link to see what you qualify for and how to apply. Our beauty industry also has a few relief programs of it’s own designed specifically to help our professionals.
We know that this new reality of ours is scary and unnerving and our industry is going to suffer from this, as is every industry. However, the great thing about our industry is you can come and go as you please and you can be as involved or not involved as you desire. Even once salons/ spas open back up, if you’re afraid that you still won’t be able to pay your monthly bills, put food on the table, and take care of your kids, then take a step back. Find a steady job with a stable income until you get back on your feet and the economy begins to recover. If you need to put your shears away for a few months, no one is going to judge you or question your loyalty. You have to do what is best for you and your family, regardless of what that is. Your beauty family and this industry isn’t going anywhere. We’ll be right here waiting for you when you get back.
Stay safe everyone and stay at home for as long as you possibly can. We are all apart together and we are all here for you. For more updates on our industry and the status of our school and salon/spa, please stay tuned on our website.
Thank you all and God bless.
Written by Kari Van Arsdale for Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology
