#AMBIANCE BEAUTY SALON PLUS#

Montanye can only work on one customer at a time under the new guidelines, where – prior to the pandemic – she would cut one person’s hair while simultaneously giving hair color treatments to one or two other customers, for example. She and her two employees also had to undergo Barbicide COVID-19 certification, a new required educational program.

#AMBIANCE BEAUTY SALON PLUS#

Disposable capes, masks and gloves, plus face shields (for herself and employees) and alcohol for disinfecting were all ordered … with Montanye seeing various instances of price gouging for supplies on Amazon. Under OSHA guidelines, Montanye, with the help of her fiancé Brian (who also lost is job due to the pandemic), hung plastic curtain dividers between four stations, at the cash register, and waiting area, etc. Having to spend some $1,000 for personal protective equipment (PPE) and materials to make her salon OSHA compliant, she said there is very little of that SBA money left. It was the SBA loans that allowed Montanye to pay her two part-time employees and herself, and pay two months of rent. The downside of all of this was that she just made under $200 from this endeavor. Luckily, she was able to sell the kits online. “After some research, the police said I definitely was not allowed to sell curbside.” I thought I was in trouble,” she recalled. When I heard “prosecutor’s office,’ I started crying. “They weren’t sure if I was allowed to sell curbside, and one of the officers said they had to call the prosecutor’s office and the state to find out.

One client even sent her a second check for the same amount.Īdditionally, Montanye tried to earn extra money by selling hair-coloring kits at curbside, but on the day she began selling the items, the Newton police arrived at her salon.

Just as important, and perhaps more humbling, was the fact that two of her clients each sent her $100 checks. How did she manage to survive until today’s reopening? Montanye was able to receive a $4,800 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan and a $2,000 Economic Injury Disaster Loan from the Small Business Administration (SBA). She said she is also eligible to receive Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, but has not heard from the State Department of Labor. “So, I have not collected any unemployment benefits at all,” she said. However, every time she would check on it, she would see the message: “Not payable at this time.” At that point, she was able to get through and certify her weekly benefits, but the response she received always stated “pending.” After contacting the state via email, she was able to file a claim. It was a repetitive act of futility because the site kept kicking her off … up until April 9. The day after she closed her doors, Montanye tried applying for unemployment on the state’s website. “The shutdown had been financially devastating for the business and for me, personally.” The mortgage on her home also had to be paid, and food had to be bought. With that money gone, rent, utility and supplier bills still had to be paid. Ambiance’s revenues were between $6,000 and $8,000 a month. The opening is a godsend for Montanye, who lost her sole source of income when the business shutdown on March 19. We continue to believe that this results in personal growth through self-reliance, greater initiative, and a sharper focus on our shared vision.Wendy Montanye, owner of Ambiance Hair Studio, cutting and styling a customer’s hair during today’s reopening. We choose to adopt a philosophy of management and operation that involves a commitment to the habit of 'going the extra mile.' We believe this is a life choice that benefits, both directly and indirectly, the individual to whom the service is rendered and the individual supplying the service. Our philosophy outlines the companys beliefs and our guide to serving our clients and one another.

Both individual potential and teamwork must be developed to accomplish our common mission. Therefore, creating excellent value for clients is the key to both our success and survival.Įach member of our team supplies a vital link in our client service chain and, as a team, becomes our source of competitive advantage. Ambiance Hair Salon is dedicated to providing each individual client with 'incredible, outstanding and unbelievable service' conducted under the highest standards of business ethics.

Ambiance beauty salon