Okay, here’s the deal…I had a really great & informative business strategy blog hot off the press & ready for you. Then I decided that during this crucial time the impact COVID-19 has had on businesses world wide takes precedent. Today I’m writing from my home, as I’ve decided to close the doors of Auric salon in Portland, OR. My business partner and I had to make the difficult choice to temporarily lay-off all of our employees, including ourselves to comply with the daily changes throughout our state & country. Nothing has brought such a whirlwind of emotions, frustration, and uncertainty.

The truth in all of this, is that none of us knows what’s next. No one knows what the right answer is. No one is unaffected by this. And most of us don’t even know how to feel about this pandemic.

What I can shed a little light on, (cue the dramatic music & parting clouds), are the various resources out there for small businesses, particularly the hair & salon industry. Some of these resources may or may not be applicable to you, but it’s reassuring to see help is on the way.

Let’s get this disaster relief party started…grab your cozy throw, pull out your favorite journal, and get ready to create a list! The following are several types of resources that are options, most having direct links to check out in one space, making this as easy as possible.

1.) IRS payment deadlines extended to July 15th 2020 you will still need to file by April 15th, but fear not, you can save those dollars for other needs.

2) Families First Coronavirus Response Act was made available for small to midsized businesses with aid in paid sick leave, coverage, and fast refunds. There’s a much longer list worth checking out to see if this is for you.

3.) If your salon has employees that receive W-2s, a temporary lay-off allows all employees to collect unemployment for up to 30 days. This gives peace of mind to the Employer that everyone is safe at home and still able to pay their bills. Check your state.gov to start the process.

4.) Find supplemental food and nutrition programs by calling 211 with United Way who provide assistance 24/7.

5.) Get loan assistance with SBA to help with debt, payroll, or accounts payable. Check regularly cuz it’s changing daily!

6.) Funding for self employed or booth rental stylists of up to $1,200 may not get you far, but it’s a good start and worth the follow-up once it’s passed.

7.) Call your lenders, credit card companies, and your salon landlord and find out if they’d negotiate deferred mortgage & credit card payments.

8.) Look for funds or grants that may be available in your city. During this time of need, those who can give a little, are giving a lot to support their local businesses (which warms my heart to see).

9.) Another avenue is built for freelance artists that may also fall under the same umbrella as our industry.

10. One last resource is a charitable cause through PBA which is accepting applications for $500 donations to hairstylists in need during this time.

Now, I don’t know about you, but I’m getting the feeling that as our top tiers get funding, it’ll have a trickle down effect, so I’m feeling optimistic. I am, however cautiously waiting for reality to drop its ball in our court. As we will have to come up with different strategies to maneuver out of the wake, there’s no turning back, our businesses & we won’t be the same.

I have a lot of ideas brewing around at the moment…including partnerships with friends to come up with expansive resources on how we can restructure & take this time to really set our intentions to strike once the iron is hot!

Make sure you comment below if you have specific questions or just need aid in pointing you a direction. Also, be on the lookout for my next post. I’ll be going more into the adapting new ways of approaching our business via social media.

Until then, remember this…we are all joining forces to fight this viral enemy, pollution levels are down world-wide, and a we have all been gifted the greatest commodity, which is TIME. Rather than focusing on the hamster wheel that we’ve been so busy working on, we get a chance to take a look around and live life a little more mindfully perhaps.

Until next time friends,

XO,

Ambroia