It’s been a mad few weeks. Our daily lives have changed, we miss seeing the friendly faces behind our favourite independents. We are sure you do too, so we thought we’d check in.
Not only have they had to adapt their own lifestyle to the new normal, their business has had to change too.
We caught up with I’m Billie from GLOSS nail studio who is usually spending all of her time creating funky nails/nail art for her clients in Kelham.
What was your initial reaction to lockdown?
My initial reaction to the lockdown was sheer panic- social distancing means I can’t earn money or do what I love. I’m taking things day by day for now, following the rules and hoping we’ll all be out of this sooner rather than later.
How has your business changed over the past few weeks?
My business completely closed down overnight. In the week before the lockdown I had cancellations left right and centre, so I knew it was coming. I thought long and hard about how I could earn some money from home (the government aid schemes or Universal Credit options won’t cover me unfortunately as I’m newly self employed and my partner earns a wage) so I decided to pursue selling prints online. It’s creatively something I’ve wanted to do for ages, and now I have nothing but time to put into it! I created @glossstudioshop on Instagram and am releasing prints as and when they are printed- I did some nail art themed ones to start with! Earnings from the prints won’t come close to covering my wage but it’s keeping my mind busy until I can open again, so I’m thankful for that! I also held a competition to win some prizes which went down well, and kept spirits up.
How do you see the long-tern impact on small businesses?
I don’t know what the long term impact will be on small businesses going forward- everyone has their own differing specific circumstances, overheads to pay and ways they can try to adapt or change. Some are in better positions than others. It’s impossible to say- but I don’t think it will be good. I know lots of businesses have been able to adapt to the new normal, but that’s just not possible in my industry- I essentially have to hold hands with my clients in close proximity for an hour! I’m hoping this won’t go on for so long that I can’t afford to keep paying the bills for the studio when I can’t work in it. All we can do is hope!
What has been your daily coping strategy in these crazy times?
My daily coping strategy has essentially been drawing illustrations on Procreate, playing with my dogs and playing animal crossing. Routine is important too- I thrive on routine so I’m trying not to lose that.
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