Miné Fourie Minev@caxton.co.za
After months under lockdown and not being able to earn an income, local businesses offering personal care services such as hair salons and nail bars, have reopened their doors.
Beauty industry professionals have welcomed the decision allowing them to return, albeit under strict safety conditions.
The industry may, however, never be the same again as salacious salon gossip may be a thing of the past and there is also a limit on the number of clients allowed.
Treating clients to beverages and eats is also prohibited and these business owners have been urged to go the extra mile on hygiene.
Mia Dempsey (54), owner of Papilon Nails in Rand Collieries, is excited to open her doors again as there was no income from her business during the lockdown. The business owner has been in the industry for 12 years and is relieved she will be able to continue as normal, despite losing a few clients. She is committed to her clients’ safety through regular sanitising, the wearing of face masks and promoting social distancing. The lockdown has affected her financially but Mia believes she will be back on track soon.
Wendy Aucamp (37), owner of Hair 4 U Unisex Hair Studio in Dalview, has reopened her doors with all the required safety measures in place. She is thrilled to be back in business after a long lockdown.
“The lockdown was a difficult time for us physically and emotionally,” said Wendy.
“Financially we struggled as a business, but we got through it and have a bright future ahead of us.
“We are grateful for each donation, prayer and words of encouragement which has carried us through this difficult time.
“We won’t be able to do business as usual, but we will all become used to the new normal.”
The salon’s staff complement has returned to work.
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Another local entrepreneur, Junel Murray (28), owner of Junel’s Hair and Beauty in Dalview, is delighted to be back in business as she was hit hard financially by the lockdown.
“The lockdown has affected my business negatively because I didn’t get any income, but by grace I do not have employees or any debt that should be paid,” she said.
“I also strongly believe that I will recover the losses over the next few months.
“The young businesswoman ensures she complies with the safety regulations by taking the temperature of each client, sanitizing regularly and she also has a screen protector in place.
Simoné Oosthuizen (24), owner of Flourish Beauty by Simoné in Dalview, is running at full steam again.
“I am blessed with loyal customers who are especially supporting me now that I am open again,” se said.
“The lockdown has affected me financially but I can say with a warm heart that God has been nothing but loyal and carried us through this difficult time.”
Simoné, who has been in the industry for seven years, has all the necessary safety regulations in place and always has sanitiser available.
“Clients also need to fill in a form before I start,? she added.
Owner of Chantel’s Hair and Beauty Studio in Rand Collieries, Chantel Blignaut (41), told the Herald the lockdown created financial worries for her.
“Fortunately, although I had some expenses, all my staff members could return and we can continue like before, just with some extra hygiene protocols in place,” she said.
“We clean our basins after each client and after the end of each business day, the basins are deep-cleaned.
“We also have a hand sanitising station for customers when they enter the premises.”
Chantel has been in the industry for 22 years and is elated to be back in business.
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