Ready?... Set?... Oh Wait, Not Yet...
I’ve held off writing as I was waiting for something concrete to tell you all.
I’m sorry, that was a silly thought. No one says anything concrete! Everyone speculates, ”we should be opening soon… soon we should be opening...“
Today was a swing and a miss. If you heard the Governor’s announcement yesterday, then you -as did I- thought we would be opening our doors. Unfortunately the final decision is based on each county and Marin says no.
I am going to write all the facts I know and have been communicated via our local government:
{silence…}
Exactly.
Okay, here is the their actual response as of May 26, 2020:
“We’re not sure if hair salons will be allowed to re-open in Marin in 2-3 weeks. Our Public Health Officer will make decisions based on a variety of indicators. We may or may not give businesses a “heads up” about re-opening. We are trying to put together a timeline for the website indicating what’s open now and what will open next, but it’s a work in progress still. Ultimately, you and others need to sign up for Marin Recovers updates and be patient. Probably not the answer you want and I’m sure it’s frustrating. I think your best bet is to fill out the SPP and make sure you have all the supplies, etc. in place so when the County does re-open their salons, you’re good to go!”
It has taken me 7 weeks to find some peace so I am trying to stay off my soap box, but it is beckoning me to speak my mind! I will say this: when the SIP began, the goal was to control mass infection, and to not overload the hospitals so that our heroic frontliners could treat those in need. Our current numbers seem to show success for that objective, no?
I have had a serious identity crisis. I have openly wept; not out of desperation for money, but for a sense of self-worth. I have always been self-reliant and am proud of it. I take pride in paying my full rent at the salon every month, especially during this tough time. I have made some right and wrong choices, but honor and integrity have always been the core of my being. This unprecedented time has rocked my identity because it impacts my staff and their well-being. And I realize the well-being of those around me dictate my sense of worth. The uncertainty of our future is testing the foundation I’ve worked my life to build and become.
At least I have a few sure things in my life: if my chickens stay alive and happy, I’ll have lots of eggs come November (when the next SIP will take place), and if I stay motivated then my landscaping project will be done sooner than anyone anticipated… including myself!
Okay, back to business...
Our Air Scrubber will be installed this week. If you missed my last mailing, it is a special purifier designed to kill virus particles with ultraviolet light. I am also looking into a program for my staff (and myself) to get tested before we return to work. All other details mentioned in my previous postings are in effect and ready.
Our personal frontliner, Mikaela, can only do so much so if you have an appointment for next week, please plan on rescheduling. I would love to speculate when but at this point, it’s become redundant.
Thank you all for your words of encouragement and support. My last writing was a bit dark -judging by the responses!- but know this: the real uprising is upon us! I miss our hair community and the comradery of my fellow stylists!
I wish you my best and look forward to sharing with you, mask-to-mask!
We miss you all!