Lindsay Cash, with Vamp the Salon in Jackson, said she wants to work with state leaders to develop a plan to reopen salons soon, while also keeping customers safe. Until then, her employees are seeking unemployment.
“Not only has the business taken almost a complete and total hit, but our stylists have taken a 100% hit on their incomes,” said Cash. “They’ve had it completely taken away from them with no real end in sight.”
Ridgeland barber Armundo Robinson chose to close his shop, before it was mandated. He said keeping his customers safe is a top priority, but there are still bills to pay and it’s been difficult.
“Got ahold to the PPE loan. So that’s definitely helped a little bit,” said Robinson. “Had to file for unemployment. Unemployment just came in, but it’s definitely nothing to keep an establishment afloat.”
To make ends meet, Ridgeland hairdresser Jessica, who is withholding her last name, said she has been risking visiting clients in their homes. She said she understands the health concern, but she needs to pay her bills.
“Limiting my services that I can offer them just to keep some type of income coming in,” said Jessica. “I have not filed for unemployment because I feel like even though I’m not making what I would make at my salon, but, I have applied for small business loans.”
Gov. Tate Reeves said he wants to use CARES Act funds to help salons and barbers financially. The Mississippi Legislature reconvenes Thursday to create a plan to assist all small businesses across the state that are struggling from COVID-19.
