About a decade ago, I was working at a grocery store/Starbucks. We had a regular customer who came in almost daily, “so what are your plans AFTER this?”, He would ask to whichever barista was serving him. He was a doctor, an anesthesiologist I believe. I would bite my tongue at the implications that this COULDN’T be someone’s lifelong job choice. I chose to see it as a, “you’re all so young! What are your dreams?” type situation.
One day he asked me. “I’m in beauty school! I graduate this fall!”. I was excited that I had an answer. It’s funny isn’t it? How much of our worth we put in which career we take? Anyway, he responded, “and then what?” And I stopped. What does he mean? “Well, then I take the state boards, get my license, and hopefully get a job at a good salon”. Then he repeated. “And then what?” I asked him what he meant. He told me that it would be a good job to get through college, but what will my REAL job be someday?
To be honest, 26 year old Beth wasn’t ready for that shit. Now, 36 year old Beth would have had so many words, so many thoughts, and so many insults for this man. But young Beth? She pretended to need to do something and walked away.
Fast forward to 2020. Guys. People were losing their damn minds because they couldn’t get into the salon. I had clients (of like 8 years) go to another state out of desperation. There were literally protesters with signs. It was at the point, we were making home kits with waivers. It was insane. Our salon was trying to get ready to open, AND THERE WAS NOTHING. Freaking people bought that shit up. What do we do? How do we stay safe? Where are the effing masks and barbicide???
You don’t remember that. Because that’s not your livelihood. We remember. We listened every time the governor spoke, wondering if we were going to open. Wondering if we would have what we needed to be safe for our clients.
Thought I should add here (quick one paragraph segway, promise), I am from Michigan, and our Governor has done an amazing job of keeping us safe and flattening our curve. (Go big Gretch!) That being said, there was a point I was like, “so…like…your man have an affair with his stylist? Or what? What did we ever do to you??” But in reality, she kept us closed until the proper equipment and gear we needed to be safe was available. Again, go Gretch!
Back to my post. Your stylist. Your hairdresser. Your barber. That person that makes you feel like you. THEY MATTER. It seems silly to say, but this last year has made it clear. We ARE important. I have been shamed, put down, dismissed, etc., Because of what I do. But you know what? I heard more about people getting into their stylist than any other damn thing. When we shut down again this fall, you know what DIDN’T shut down? Salons. Because people would have FLIPPED OUT.
You need us. And that’s not a bad thing. I take a lot of pride in making my clients feel like they can take on the world. Making people feel like the best version of themselves. Admit it. Appreciate it.
Do you know I made 75% of my normal income this year? Many reasons. High risk clients waiting it out. People that let their grey come in, and want to see how it goes. Eyelash clients that don’t feel confident in the close proximity. Many things. So, if you are reading this, you need to think about your stylist. What have they been through? What do they risk for YOU. What have they given up to keep being there for you? Show them love. Make sure you let them know you see their sacrifice and love for their trade. Our salon was able to stay open. But, so, so many had to close. Did you know that? Do you care about what we’ve been through? You’re worried about your roots, we’re worried about paying our bills.
One last thing. Why the fuck aren’t stylist on the vaccine list? We literally touch people for a living. Droplets? Who cares about that shit when we are touching people and standing near them for 30min-2hours? Aerosol? Isn’t it supposed to be like 10-15min? GIVE US THE VACCINE.
Literally this blog was to make you realize you love your stylist, and that we’ve been forgotten (THERE WERE SIGNS AND ANGRY KAREN’S! HOW DID YOU FORGET ABOUT US), and we just want to be vaccinated and make our clients feel like the best versions of themselves.
Anyways. Someone who knows shit, get cosmetologists, barbers, massage therapists, and LITERALLY anyone who touches people, a way to get vaccinated. Please.
SEE US. WE MAKE YOU NOT LOOK LIKE SWAMP TROLLS.
Also, we just don’t want do die or to accidentally kill someone because we’re exposed. Give us a vaccine, tip us well, and appreciate the sacrifice we have made for you.
Also, don’t go to the salon if you have symptoms. We are literally at your mercy. Don’t ruin our lives by lying. We will accommodate a reschedule.
thatbethy 