By Maria Elizabeth, Owner
When Salon deZEN received the order to close our doors, we immediately went into COVID creative mode. I urgently began to re-think the salon’s layout and how we could resume safe services once the order was lifted. Plexiglass was ordered along with colorful acrylic pieces to frame the safety shields that would be artfully suspended from the ceiling to create a safe yet welcome and playful environment.
Instantly, my stylists and support staff were collaborating to develop a plan to continue to meet the needs of our clients. Without missing a beat, ZOOM classes on makeup and hair were scheduled. True to this unprecedented time, we even offered a lighting class on how to best represent yourself on camera with pro hair and makeup tips.
We also didn’t want our loyal clients going without their beloved products so we began to offer online ordering with curbside pickup or delivery. Although this time felt very gray and sometimes bleak, we didn’t want our clients' roots showing that same gray so we created “Color In Place” kits with a tutorial of how to properly apply. Salon deZEN is part of the service industry and we were determined to continue to serve our ZEN family.
When we were allowed to reopen our doors, we were beyond prepared and excited. We had worked hard to create a safe, yet relaxing environment for all of our guests by keeping our occupancy lower than required, doubling up on masks and providing complimentary masks to our clients.
COVID has certainly created challenging times for us at Salon deZEN, but my team never shies away from a challenge. I am so proud of the resilience of the Salon deZEN team. Despite mask-wearing, social distancing, and plexiglass nooks, ZEN remains to create a feeling of “peaceful and calm” as the name implies.
Through all of the changes, ZEN has remained true to our mission statement which is to make every client feel safe, valued, and appreciated while celebrating their individualism.
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VIP Alexandria Magazine is proud to present The Resiliency Issue. Featuring small business COVID-19 success stories, as told by the owners who lived in it, learned to pivot + survived.
You can read all of our Resiliency Stories in our digital issue HERE.