5 POSTITIVE TAKES ON 2020 IN THE HAIR & BEAUTY INDUSTRY

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Posted August 27, 2020

Yes, 2020 has been horrible. For all of us, in all industries, but particularly in the Hair and Beauty Industry, and particularly in Melbourne. And while it’s only August, it feels like we have been slogging through this mess for years, with limited and insecure relief on the other side.

But that doesn’t mean there’s NOTHING to celebrate. That doesn’t mean there’s NOTHING positive – and we reckon there are plenty of things to celebrate in the hair and beauty industry, even in these worst of times.

Here are 5 positive takes on 2020 for the Hair and Beauty Industry.

 

1. We have proven our resilience

For many of us, we have never faced a challenge in business quite like this one. But we are still here, we are adapting and changing and making it work. We have used every tool we have in our arsenal to stay afloat in business, and we have scrimped, saved and applied our butts off to keep our businesses going. We are still here, serving our communities and we are doing it with the biggest smile we can force onto our face. That resilience in the face of adversity is something we should all be proud of as salon owners.

 

2. We have connected with our customers in new ways

Not only has community sentiment and support for salon owner’s been incredible online, but in person, so many of our clients are really feeling the pleasure and relief that is time in salon. Even if we have been forced to close our doors, our clients are still there buying gift packs, cheering us on in the comments section, and doing their at-home colour kits. The community sentiment around shopping small and shopping local has never been higher, and these are all things that we have been crying out for as small business owners and salon owners. It has been wonderful to watch Australia come together in the face of this pandemic.

 

3. We have been forced to innovate

With all events cancelled for the foreseeable future and client appointments on hold in some cases, we have had to put our thinking caps on to make sure that we are still here on the other side. From virtual events like our own Isolation Inspiration Sessions or the Best of Beauty Virtual Conference, through to at-home colour kits and YouTube Tutorials on bringing the spa experience home, salon owners have innovated. We have thought about new ways to contribute and add value to our clients and keep ourselves motivated to get out there and be the best we can be. Who knows what the future of the industry will look like after this period of growth and innovation; we don’t know yet, but we are excited to find out.

 

4. We have come together as an industry

We’ve lost our industry events, we’ve seen business close up shop, we’ve been removed from the work we love to do – but we are still here, and we are here together. Salon owners have banded together strongly during this period and seeing that just makes our heart swell with pride for this industry that we love so much. From our own members-only group, which has been an amazing source of information and inspiration, to many of the other unofficial groups across Facebook for industry knowledge, salon owners are doing their absolute best to help one another out. Movements like #beatystrong are sweeping the nation and keeping not only other salon owners aware, but industry organisations and the broader community. The solidarity of the industry is an absolute beacon of hope in these times, and we hope you touch base with your salon owner friends regularly and let them know how much their support means to you in these times.

 

5. We have survived

If you’re reading this, then you’re still here. And that’s an amazing thing. This is likely to be the most stressful and challenging period in business you will ever face – and if you can face this, and survive it, then there’s nothing you can’t achieve. The industry is here, your salon friends are here and your own business, your own space has survived. That’s something to be grateful for, no matter the adversity.

 

We want salon owners to keep their positive spirit flying high, no matter how hard it might be right now. Pat yourself on the back for still being here. Touch base with your salon community and let them know how grateful you are for their love and support. We would love you to share ONE positive experience you have had out of the Corona Virus – even if it’s just having received JobKeeper payments for the past few months! – and let’s face this challenge the only way we know how – with great service, strength and a big, welcoming smile.