Creative HEAD May/June 2020

“I WANT TO DO MY
BEST TO PROTECT
MY TEAM”
Becky Candy
Becky Candy Salon, Clowne
I’ve planned to remove some stations, remove our waiting area
and reduce the number of clients in the building at any one
time. I see us opening for longer with fewer team members
in but doing split shifts so that we’re reducing the number
of staff and clients. I also feel we will be booking one client
at a time, for example with a colour we would have just that
one client in the chair. Our salon is quite small and we wouldn’t
have the space to distance people enough while processing and I want to do my
best to protect my team. We’ll ask clients to wait in their cars for a call from us to
let them know we’re ready for them and we’ll also limit the amount of time they
are in the salon. We’re looking at video consultations prior to their appointment
so that we’re fully prepared for the visit. Some people will be bashing our doors
down but others will be apprehensive, so this is the perfect time for us to reassure
them. We will be offering an online checkout, issuing the bill while they’re in the
salon to pay via their phones, online banking or our online checkout. The bill will
include any products we have recommended; all they will need to do is decide if
they want them before making payment. We will be in a state of uncertainty for
a very long time. I am pregnant, due in mid-June, and have two team members
on maternity leave and my manager is on the vulnerable list. This all means that
there’s quite a lot of worry for when the lockdown is lifted.
“SOME CLIENTS WILL
BE NERVOUS ABOUT
VISITING”
Robert Eaton
Russell Eaton, Yorkshire
The Russell Eaton team in lockdown
“We’re looking at working shifts to efficiently manage the
team over new trading hours, while minimising the number
of clients they’re in contact with. For example, operating
seven days a week combined with longer opening hours,
with three or four teams working in shifts. We’re also
looking at temporarily reducing the services we offer. Some
treatments such as facials and massages may no longer be viable
due to social distancing. Some clients will be nervous about visiting, so we’re
implementing additional measures including making masks and gloves available
for each team member. Clients will also have minimal contact with other
team members, as their stylist will take care of every stage of the appointment.
Work stations have already been spaced out, and clear screens (like those in
supermarkets) have been installed at reception and on the nail bars. We’ve also
invested in more sanitising products and disposable gowns and towels, and
created signs informing clients of the safety and hygiene measures. Costs will
increase due to everything we’ve implemented. We had a price increase in January
and extended our appointment time, so clients will get value for money. I would
encourage stylists and salons not to be nervous about charging and to avoid
discounts. No matter how well prepared we are, it will take commitment, energy
and drive from everyone to get the business back on track.
CREATIVE HEAD
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