Runs Businesses With Scissors

Dear Clients and Friends,
I have not been busy with hair or coaching.
I have been busy advocating for the beauty industry in Alameda County by:Calling the Covid Recovery LineEmailing the Covid Recovery DepartmentProtesting outside the Alameda County Public Health Department Offices Calling KQED (listen here to the show- I call in at the 44:10 mark)Reaching out to industry friendsKeeping in touch with clientsRemembering to breathe






I thank you profusely for your generous support.
I know many of you have called and emailed as well.If you would like to advocate once more on our behalf here is the information:
Covid Recovery Email - covidrecovery@acgov.orgCovid Recovery Phone Number - 510-268-2101 #2
Let the Alameda Public Health Department know that you trust - The salon industries ability to open in a safe and sanitary mannerAsk that they give Alameda County Salons the same opening plan as neighboring countiesThat you need a haircut!
There are days and times that I can hardly believe that it is…

Dear Clients and Friends,Once again we appeal to you for help!Update:  Myself and Diane Zelaya, my colleague at Swans Studios spoke with a contact at the Alameda County Public Health Department, ACPHD  to request consideration for our own criteria for Salons and Barber Shops; or to be considered as part of phase three or four of the Alameda County re-opening plan.We have the California Cosmetology Association working with us on getting the word out to the Association Industry Members.How can you help?Contact the ACPHD via phone and or email and request that they allow Cosmetologists and Barbers to return to work. Here are some bullet points to share with the ACPHD.The Beauty Industry asks for our own criteria or to be considered the same as businesses in phases three and four, a phase that includes personal services. The Beauty Industry is currently in Phase Five, (In door Dining, Pro Sports without fans and pools.)  This category does not reflect our profession.The Beauty Industry sh…

Dear Clients and Friends,
Please help.
In Alameda County my industry has been extremely hard hit by Covid-19.
On Monday June 29 I spoke with both the Alameda County Public Health Department, ACPHD and the Professional Beauty Association, PBA.Both of these organizations confirmed the complex challenges that hairstylists, barbers, manicurists and estheticians are facing as we approach four months of being closed.
Technicians want and need to work, clients want and need services.It is no surprise that the underground, back yard, secret salon services exist and are increasing in numbers.
Most salon owners and technicians, including myself, refuse to participate in the aforementioned scenario, however, we do understand the necessity for some of making money during a time like this.
Sadly many technicians do not have resources or documentation to qualify for resources.Also many salons operated on an extremely small profit margin at best.
How can you help?
Please contact the ACPHD via phone or ema…

Dear Clients and Friends,
Thank you for your patience and understanding during this unprecedented time in our lives.
I, like you, am anxious to return to my routines.I am also incredibly cognizant of the recent events in the country and cannot in good conscience ignore how devastating the murder of George Floyd has been to the black community.I am safe and my home and salon are safe.
LaTasha and Diane are safe.We are grateful to have each other. We continue to love and support each other during Covid-19’s impact on our businesses and the countries unrest.
Governor Gavin Newsom delivered the news that hair salons can open in some counties in California however, Alameda County is not included in this current phase of reopening. There is one more phase before we will be allowed to reopen. You can read more about the various phases for Alameda County here.  
If you have a June appointment I will contact you to postpone it and make future arrangements.
Swans Studios is ready to re-open, we hav…

Hairqueen News I went into shock on March 17 when my vibrant business, like so many, was closed until further notice due to Covid-19.

I have been self-employed for most of my career and a business owner since 1995.

I suspect you would believe me if I said I've been through a thing or two as a business owner and even on the darkest days, my entrepreneurial spirit has guided me along the way.

After the initial shock was over I settled into a new routine and found ways to be productive.

My days have and still do include:
Taking time everyday to work on my business instead of in my businessUpdating my websiteUpdating my booking systemContacting each one of my wonderful clients to postpone their appointments more than once due to the closureCreated an online storeApplying for disaster relief, PPP and DUI Coached a mum how to bleach and tone her son's hairCreated personal hair color kits for hair color clientsPosts on social media with the help of my trusty virtual assistant Erin …

Hairqueen Musings These are not normal times, many are baking bread and gardening.
I have written a few poems that came to me in the beginning of SIP, when we were all grappling with the SIP order and I could barely sleep.  
If I didn't already have grey hair I think the shock of shutting down overnight might have given me more than a strand or two.

Here's a poem with little bit of truth from what I know about grey hair from both sides of the chair.

The life we are living is different today than we could have ever imagined. Yet it is the life we have lived that gives us the wisdom and strength to carry on.
I am overwhelmed by the generosity of my clients as we have connected over these past weeks to postponed appointments.  
I have appreciated connecting with my fellow salon industry friends and discussing how we are doing during SIP.  We wonder how we it will be as we return to our businesses with new practices in place for everyone's health and safety and of course bea…