RESTRICTIONS ARE LIFTED A NEW WAY
Both women said that their landlords had been very understanding during the crisis, but that it had been a challenging time.
‘When we originally had to close, we had the fear of how long it was going to go on but the brands and companies that we work with were great. There were a lot of opportunities for learning while we were off and the therapists did extra education online,’ said Ms Leacy. ‘But it’s a worrying time as a boss, but more for my staff. We kept in contact a lot with a WhatsApp group but I made it my duty to call the girls individually to check in on them, personally and mentally, to make sure they were doing okay for the lockdown. They did the same for me, as I was worried about how long we could sustain this before we’d have to consider not re-opening. It’s nice to get back,’ she said.
Although Dolly will be working long hours getting through her waiting list, she said she didn’t feel like the industry had a lot of time to prepare to re-open.
‘There’s been major demand, and guidelines from the Hairdressing Federation are in place now but you were waiting on those guidelines to know exactly what you needed to do. We could have been told a little bit sooner and it’s harder for other bigger businesses.
‘It has been tough but it could have been worse, I feel if I had a bigger business I would have been suffering more,’ said Ms Murphy.
Even visiting Dolly’s business, clients will sign in when entering and leaving after sanitising, and are asked to bring their own masks and gloves.
‘I will supply PPE if needed free of charge but would ask if you would kindly donate to Barretstown children’s charity with the box on entry’.
She will be keeping windows and doors open as much as possible to provide ventilation and is looking forward to welcoming people back again.