Although many in the beauty business have been forced to close their doors due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, some are still working to support themselves and their families while adopting measures to keep themselves and their clients safe.
John Abrahams, the owner of Bold Xpressions Barbershop, told Stabroek News he is doing his best to operate while keeping safe.
Abrahams, a father of one and a barber for over 20 years, said not being a government worker or an essential worker, it has become “very difficult” for him to pay bills.
“I have been living on less than quarter of my earnings,” he said, while noting that due to the pandemic, customers are not coming in like normal.
“People are holding on to their savings,” he added.
Since the outbreak of the presence of COVID-19 in Guyana, Abrahams has been working by appointments only in order to avoid a crowd.
He said his shop is equipped with a sink that allows customers to wash their hands, while he himself is sanitising the equipment that is used.
He explained that he disinfects his work area with Lysol, and ensures that the cape used during the cutting of hair is properly sanitised since it is being placed on most customers. Abrahams also disclosed that he no longer uses the face brush on his customers and is instead using tissue paper that he discards of after every use. The barber said to help each other get through these hard times, other barbers who usually pay him to rent their stations are now pooling their monies to pay the landlord for the spot they occupy instead.
Meanwhile, Mark Inniss, a 27 year-old barber from Linden, said COVID-19 has placed his dreams on hold.
The young barber was planning to open his own barbershop but was forced to shelve his plans after the outbreak of the virus.
He noted that in order to continue to earn, he is now operating from his home or at the home of his customers. “I go at people, or people come at me to cut their hair,” he said.
Inniss told Stabroek News that he understands how serious COVID-19 is, and is taking all the necessary precautions to stay safe.
He explained that he is sanitising his tools and using a face mask. The barber also noted that due to the closure of barber shops, he is seeing an increase in customers. To get by financially, Inniss is also working as a construction worker.
However, not all are willing to accept customers at this time. Michelle Primo, who has been a cosmetologist for over 12 years, told Stabroek News that COVID-19 has affected her greatly.
The single parent and mother of five said it is a struggle, since she has been out of work for two months.
Primo told this newspaper that she has received calls from clients who are requesting her service, but she said that as a mother she is not willing to take the risk of working from home.
“I don’t want to expose my children to this virus,” she said.
The beautician added that should the pandemic last beyond June, “I am not sure what will happen, because the money I had save, I am using now for food.”
She also said this current time is particularly hard for her given that her source of income is suspended as she described herself as an independent woman who works hard to take care of her children.
Nevertheless Primo is hopeful that the pandemic will subside soon, so she can go back to doing what she loves, with some peace of mind. She said while her bills are piling up, she has faith in God.
