The core set of responsibilities for women evolve to include their chosen career choice within the professional beauty industry which may include their work behind the chair and/or as an employer, educator, owner, mentor, etc. Additionally, as witnessed through the COVID pandemic, women serve as primary caregivers, sole income earners, and a leader both at work and at home.
Industry professionals often speak of long consecutive work hours, and eating between clients, for many this constant running with a full schedule continues at home where women begin their second shift of caring for their family both financially and emotionally. Many women view their responsibilities as just that, responsibilities that they fulfill as a responsible career woman with clients, and a family.
The professional beauty industry, according to the bureau of labor statistics, is overwhelmingly comprised of women. According to the National Industry Profile in 2020, sixty percent of employment-based Beauty Salons and Spas are women-owned, which is three times higher than women’s business ownership rate (20 percent) for the economy as a whole. Notably in comparison, cited in Forbes 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics less than 7% of restaurants across the country are led by women. There is a shift in work life management and how COVID will impact future beauty industry decisions, especially now as the Delta variant is pushing states and businesses to rethink their safety measures. Women are preparing for as much as possible to maintain stability and routine both for their clients and at home.
The professional beauty industry is often viewed as led by women that foster a connection with the community, a connection between industry professionals and clients that, for many, span years, even decades. The community connection is utilized by the city, state and federal government in various ways including most recently for vaccine education and distribution as part of the Shots at the Shop Initiative. This initiative that began in community centered barbershops will provide a four-hour training course to prepare barbers and stylists to have voluntary fact-based conversations with clients with the option to provide onsite vaccination clinics within the establishment by a trained healthcare provider.
Community connections exist, and new ideas are becoming a reality for those who are pursuing positive change. Whether motivated by a movement, or establishment shutdowns and reopening due to COVID, or knowing a survivor of domestic abuse, whatever the reason- change is happening. Legislation is not the only source for change as other forms of community connection, such as Shots at the Shop, are not a mandate, rather they are voluntary.
Tennessee Senate Bill 216 authored by Senator Becky Massey, requires those licensed to practice personal care professions to receive domestic violence training. Although the training is now mandated by the state, the choice to engage with clients regarding domestic violence abuse remains voluntary. The training is a resource, providing a source of support, fulfilling one more example of the community connection.
If you or a licensed beauty professional would like to learn more about domestic abuse awareness training, please visit CUT IT OUT® The Beauty Community Against Domestic Abuse program dedicated to mobilizing salon / spa professionals, students and others to fight the epidemic of domestic abuse in communities across the United States. CUT IT OUT® builds awareness of domestic abuse through awareness materials to be displayed in salons, the “Give the Power Back” initiative to involve salons in helping local domestic violence agencies, and training salon / spa professionals and students to recognize warning signs and safely refer clients to resources.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE
If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, you are not alone. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline now. 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) | TheHotline.org
