Following the expiration of Moniteau County's stay-at-home order earlier this month, salons and spas opened their services back up to the community.
Salons and spas were among those businesses deemed "non-essential," so they were forced to close their doors for a period of time. Now, business is coming back for California's salon owners.
"Since we have reopened on May 11, we have expanded our normal business hours for last week, and this week (we are) trying to play catch up with all of our amazing and loyal clients," Exhale Spa owner Kayle Kiesling said. "We have also hired a receptionist to help keep up with the extra and beyond normal sanitation needs. We have had an outpouring of new faces in the spa from all over Mid-Missouri, and it has been very refreshing and exciting."
Opening their doors has come with a few changes to keep not only their clients safe but salon owners and staff, as well.
"I posted (a) questionnaire on my door because when people come into the salon, it's supposed to be a relaxing experience, and I know they don't want to be bombarded with questions," Something Sassy owner Stephanie Stokes said of her strategy for helping ensure customer health and safety.
Stoke said the salon turned its parking lot into the waiting room, began cleaning the chairs after each customer sits and had everyone spread out.
Stokes said her salon is also trying to have a lot of hand sanitizer on hand and is encouraging people to wash their hands. Some people come in wearing a mask, and some people don't - Stokes said since masks are not required in Moniteau County, just recommended, the salon has been letting everyone use their own judgment on whether they want to wear one or not.
Though it has been an uncertain and scary time for small businesses, California's salon owners are happy to be back in their element and doing what they love.
"Well, things have definitely been busy," Studio B Salon owner Brandy Brockes said. "Definitely happy to be back open! I think it helps to boost the morale of the public. And it definitely feels good for me to be behind the chair again. Working is my social outlet, so not being able to was leading to depression."
Some, from the perspective of a new business, have been concerned what the COVID-19 outbreak may hold for their future. Despite the unknowns, things are looking up as the state inches toward reopening fully.
"Although the COVID-19 pandemic has been very scary and emotional; my business is thriving and booming at its most and performing better than ever," Kiesling said. "As a still fresh and newer business owner in our community, I myself am trying to build my business and clientele, but at the same time prepare for the unknown in the future."
With the support and patience of their clients and community, owners will soon be back to business as usual. They encourage the public to call and make an appointment, but they ask customers understand they have those who had appointments before closing to tend to first.