On March 21, 2020, the time had come - the hairdressers and nail salons had to close until further notice due to the global corona crisis. The order came from the federal government to protect citizens from the rapid spread of the virus. While hairdressing businesses are allowed to reopen under strict conditions on May 4, 2020, nail salons must remain closed for the time being. Restricted services, but also how many people are allowed into the salon at the same time and how customers and employees should protect themselves, are decided by the federal and state governments.
😷 Corona: Interview with nail designer Stefanie about the nail salon shutdown
We spoke to our nail designer Stefanie to find out what difficulties and opportunities the time without work brings for her. Financial problems, excitement and reopening plans – we offer you an insight into the shutdown from the perspective of our nail designer Stefanie.
How was the time without work?
Nail designer Stefanie: Definitely strange, you have time for a lot of things that you otherwise don't have, but the gut feeling was strange because you don't know what's coming. So it wasn't a holiday feeling, but rather a lot of internal pressure - there hasn't been a situation like that before. When you're on vacation, you can plan and prepare everything before and after, but in this case that wasn't possible.
What did you find time for during the Corona shutdown?
Nail designer Stefanie: I finally have time to lie on the sofa - I hardly ever do that! But I mainly use the time to sort out, tidy up, clean and repair. It's good to have some time for myself - this is often neglected in normal working life.
What do you miss most about work?
Nail designer Stefanie: I really missed my colleagues and conversations with customers. While I was working, I didn't realize how used to daily communication I had become. I have found some really good friends among my colleagues and regular customers with whom I can now only communicate via WhatsApp or telephone.
What went differently than expected?
Nail designer Stefanie: I missed the routine and daily routine because I like the structure in everyday life through working. I really had to nibble on it - otherwise you wish you had more vacation and more free time, but now that there's no structure, you're kind of hanging in the air.
Have you had contact with customers?
Nail designer Stefanie: A few customers wrote to me very nicely. So far the tone has mostly been very friendly, everyone asks for current information, but is generally understanding - it's not in our hands what happens next, because this decision comes from above and was not made by us ourselves. Few customers are upset that their nails couldn't be done and blame us for it. However, our dear regular customers always ask how we are and really miss their nail care professional personally. Everyone was hoping that the studio would be able to open again soon - sometimes I also get pictures of the current nail condition to give tips and help.
What are the 3 biggest problems for you during the closure regarding the nail salon?
Nail designer Stefanie:
For me, the following three things are the biggest problems at this time:
- Bring current information to customers - for example, many thought we would be allowed to reopen at the same time as the hairdressers, but unfortunately that is not the case. We had to discuss this via social networks, posters and answering machines.
- The helplessness - many customers are very desperate, they wear artificial nails because they have difficult natural nails and as a nail designer you know about the customers' problems and are not allowed to help at this time.
- I find the financial situation particularly stressful - it affects us all, our customers are also suffering financially from short-time work etc. So no one knows whether they will be able to come back after the shutdown.
Are there financial problems because of Corona?
Nail designer Stefanie: Sure, it's a catastrophe for us as a studio - rent, leasing contracts,... it all continues. The state's financial support was not enough, at least in the first round. Everything is going quite slowly: the payment of support as well as the time until the salaries for short-time work come from the employment office. The installments still have to be paid, especially for the renovation of studios or for expensive tools and equipment - that's tough.
What do you do if you have financial problems?
Nail designer Stefanie: I haven't found any really good solutions yet - you can expand your overdraft, borrow money, apply for loans or do a part-time job that is still possible in the current situation. However, you have to keep in mind that you have to pay back loans - in my opinion that can definitely endanger your existence.
What are your biggest worries during this time?
Nail designer Stefanie: What annoys me the most is that we were closed as a nail salon by an official decision and then received no further information. I also find it mean that we as nail technicians are hardly mentioned in the federal government's statements - it seems to me as if we have been forgotten. Nail design is a large part of the beauty sector and of course, like everyone else, we have high costs for products, studio and staff. It's really hurtful to see that no one is interested in this and that it isn't even remotely mentioned or that anyone makes the effort to communicate specifically with us.
Are there any plans for the opening yet?
Nail designer Stefanie: We have to clarify the appointments and call all of our customers as soon as we know what's next and when we can open again. We have to adapt the concept of our nail salon for the opening because of Corona: Is shift work necessary? Which offers are we not allowed to offer because of Corona? Are there extended hygiene regulations? Do we also have to work on weekends? Unfortunately, we cannot answer all of these questions at the moment.