Quarantine Diaries- The Nail and Beauty Nerd
Today on Quarantine Diaries, we're taking a virtual visit to The Nail and Beauty Nerd salon in Harrogate, to find out how salon owner Emma is dealing with the current climate.
What is your name?
Emma
Where do you live?
Harrogate, North Yorkshire
What's your job title?
Salon owner of The Nail and Beauty Nerd/ Nail Technician/ Beauty Therapist
How has quarantine affected your daily life?
Normally I would get up and go to work, along with all the business management stuff you have to do as a business owner- it was like having two full time jobs. But now because of the pandemic I’ve had to look at how I can stay in touch with my clients and keep them feeling pampered! So my daily routine is much more leisurely- I still do some work every day, but only doing the essentials rather than giving myself a list as long as my arm to rush through. With that space, I’ve got more time to think creatively about how I can support my clients and grow my business when we are out the other side!
How has quarantine affected your work?
Obviously I have closed my business. I actually did it before the lock down started because I couldn’t see a safe way to run the salon. I’m not seeing clients and staff every day, but I stay in touch with my staff who have been furloughed as much as I can. For my clients, I’ve started doing a Facebook live with some self care tips every other Friday. I’ve called it “Facial Friday”, so I'm still using the skills I have as a therapist and getting to interact with my clients. It's been a lovely opportunity to connect with people in a different way.
What's the biggest challenge you have faced?
Initially coming up with a plan B after I temporarily closed the salon was a big task. For the first week I was on the phone to clients, insurance companies, landlords and business support people every minute of the day. Following that initial flurry, the biggest challenge is the uncertainty managing the financial and logistical unknowns. Managing the worry when no one knows what the future holds is tough, but I like to plan so I keep myself above water by being super organised!
What are you doing to keep yourself feeling positive?
I’m reminding myself how lucky I am to have a roof over my head and a safe place to be in isolation. Whenever I get overwhelmed with missing people, I make a donation to a charity or do a contactless drop off at a local homeless shelter. Focusing on the basics like looking after myself, my family and my home really helps. I also remind myself and anyone who will listen that however you are doing on that day, at that moment; you are doing the best you can in difficult circumstances and it's ok to take life a little slower. In fact, it's a lovely opportunity to stop and smell the roses.
What are you missing the most about normal life?
My younger sister is pregnant and I miss seeing her little bump grow! I wish I could go and give her a big cuddle.
What is one positive to come out of the quarantine?
Working in the wellness industry we are always telling our hard-working, stressed out clients to take more time for themselves- it’s what our whole industry is based around. But as business owners/ therapists, we forget how important it is to practice what we preach! I have started putting aside more time to do the things that I really enjoy as an individual, rather than always being in 'business mode', and surprise surprise- I'm much happier and less stressed!
What is the first thing you will do once normal life resumes?
Go and give my sisters some big hugs! Also, I’m really looking forward to being in a packed coffee shop or bar, standing a bit too close to other people and it being ok to do that!!
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