New Beginnings

What You Can Expect from K/WSalons and Others

The world is a changed place.

In the last 15 months, Covid-19 has completely reshaped our social habits and routines. And now that vaccines have arrived, infection rates have plummeted, and restrictions are lifting, we’re faced with a new challenge ~ how to reenter the world in a way that feels safe and comfortable for all.

In my job, I talk to people all day long. These conversations have made it clear to me that there is a real range of readiness to resume the life we used to know before Covid. Some people are ready to jump right back in. Others still have lingering cautions and concerns, no doubt a result of the profound psychological and mental ground shift that the Pandemic brought about.

Regardless of where my clients fall on the spectrum of readiness, it is my goal to be able to meet all clients where they stand on reentry.

I also checked in with some colleagues of mine ~ Bobbi Jo Tonsberg, Owner of Salon at Stonecroft, and Ken Davis, owner of Davis Hairdressing salons ~ to get the pulse on some from the larger hair community to see if our experiences at K/WSalons ring true in other salon businesses. I thank them both for their contributions here.

At the beginning of the virus, we as Salon Owners were charged with finding ways to reopen with business practices that would keep our clients and employees healthy and safe. We retrofit our businesses with a host of much-discussed changes and safeguards to how we serve our customers to ensure that. And we learned a lot.

These learnings will inform the way we move forward, day by day, as restrictions lift. It was so heartening to hear my colleagues’ words reflect our experiences and plans here at K/WSalons:

  • Respect the gamut of anxiety ~ We want you to please feel free to express your comfort level. We stand ready to tweak your experience within the Salon for those who completely embrace their re-found freedoms and those who are still evolving in their ability to feel comfortable in public places. Bobbi Jo Tonsberg echoes this sentiment:

“Many have gotten vaccinated, and many have had Covid, therefore still have active antibodies and protection from the virus. There are others who just don’t believe in the vaccine. I support the notion that everyone is entitled to their own beliefs. I have invested in many precautions to ensure everyone’s safety at my salon.”

  • Continue relevant safety practices ~ At K/WSalons, our staff will keep up our increased sanitation practices and will continue to wear masks throughout the space. We also ask all clients to wear a mask upon entry and at all times during your movement within the Salon. Those clients comfortable removing their masks while seated in your stylist’s chair are permitted to do so. Ken Davis agrees:

“We have decided that there are too many gray areas and too many choices, so we have decided to keep everyone safe and comfortable in the salon by continuing to all wear masks.”

  • Be patient with the process ~ I view this as incremental change ~ baby steps that thoughtfully consider and respond to the latest developments and take those in stride as we continue to refine our responses. Again, Bobbi Jo Tonsberg:

“I am grateful that we are turning the corner toward a renewed sense of normal and am excited about our personal freedoms. I am hopeful that we are headed in the right direction. With that being said, Salon at Stonecroft will be following all state guidelines on operating protocols and will be taking one day at a time.”

It will take time. But we will get there together. At moments like this, I am grateful to continue our journey with you, our Salon Family.

Regards,

Kenny