In the early part of 2020, an invisible virus from a remote place ravaged the world by storm. Like the plague of old, many found themselves in a state of panic, unsure if at best they'd have the necessities to survive day by day, let alone contemplate the severity of the impact this virus would have within the world, especially in the United States of America.

What was once uncertain is now undisputed, and without a doubt: Covid-19 is not only an airborne virus but an invisible killer that destroys both humankind and businesses alike!

Although we all know too well the horrors of Covid-19 from a life and death perspective, I realized it has also sparked many to become insane with making harsh decisions that could promote impending harm to our health and our sanity. Business owners, especially those in the hair salon and spa industry, were forced early to make difficult decisions. Either open your doors and practice social distancing, all while adhering to the rigors of constant cleaning and disinfecting - or - close your doors.

Sadly, many hair salons and spa businesses didn't have a choice to close down their doors during those few months, where many remained in their homes unless to get necessities from the grocery store and other essential needs. This Covid-19 pandemic caused many hair care professionals to revisit their career endeavors and commitment to the professions, prompting many to resign or seek other employment that would enable them to remain at home as they shelter in place.

At E'Lure Salon and Spa, we struggled with all of the above. We were unsure if we would weather the storm even though we established an aggressive social distancing policy and sanitary and clean environment and mandatory masks while being served. We lost half of our hair care staff. Those who remained were forced to amend their schedules so everyone could adhere to county regulations and guidelines: No more than ten people within the salon at a time to help promote 6 feet of separation and social distancing.

Covid-19 has caused all of us to re-evaluate not only the value of life but changed how we interact and live and engage within business establishments, society, and our homes daily. The hunger for normalcy and getting back to where we were, I believe, will change forever. We've all become awaken to how easy it is to get sick through social contact or engagement, and we all know the risk we take each day when we go to work or run our business. No matter how many air purifiers and bottles of Lysol spray my wife and I purchase to keep the clients and staff of E'Lure as safe as possible, we still know one moment of complacency can impact our lives and livelihood unexpectedly.

Although, as of this blog post, almost 200,000 people in America have died from COVID-19. We understand in this time of trials and tribulations; we have a significant responsibility to do all we can to ensure this dreaded virus does not enter our doors. Fortunately, the clients and staff at E'Lure have assisted us in ensuring we do our business to not add to the infected and deceased statistics. Temperatures are taken with consistency when staff and clients enter E'Lure's doors; names, emails, and phone #'s are taken if someone contracts the virus. We can advise those who may have been in contact with that individual; air purifiers have been strategically placed to help keep the air as clean as possible; masks are required to being worn at all times while in the building; salon chair, shampoo bowls, drying & chairs are sprayed with cleansing disinfectants to keep everything sterile and sanitized. The list goes on.

Yes, although Covid-19 has impacted all of us in so many ways, I genuinely believe the inconvenience of this virus has inspired us to value life and be more conscious about our healths and how we act and engage with each other. 

Thus, from now on, we all have a choice. We could look at the world's current state through the lens of glass-half-full or glass-half-empty. At E'Lure, we are committed to keeping our doors open and keeping our staff and clients safe as we persevere through this (prayerfully) temporary storm of Covid-19.

To the clients and staff of E'Lure Salon and Spa, we thank you for your continued patronage and support!

Derrick F. Allen

CEO/Co-Owner of E'Lure Salon and Spa