A Quarantined Stylist

Jamie Ferero

St. Patrick's Day. That was the last day I was able to work in the salon before closing due to Covid-19. I remember it so vividly. It was late, and I was the last stylist to leave the building. As I left the empty salon it felt so peaceful. Seeing my home away from home, so far from its normal look and busyness, and then, just as quickly, I felt a state of panic.

When will I be able to come back? What will my clients do? How can I help them? Do we all REALLY need to stay inside? IS THE WORLD ENDING?!? And how many botched at home colors will this cause!?

This has been my mood throughout this pandemic. Some days I’m overwhelmed with gratitude, inspiration, and excitement for the future. Other days, I’m swimming in panic and worry.

As we reach week 9 of this pandemic, I’m left with time to reflect on my business and myself personally. What can I do differently to elevate my business? What can I do differently to transform and uplift myself personally? This experience has been a wild one to say the least, but I’m grateful to have this time to focus on the vision I have for my life.

Here are a few things that have helped me keep my sanity during the quarantine. Hopefully they can help you through the last few weeks (fingers crossed!) we have left.

Grab your favorite book!

I rotate three books at all times (i know, super productive). But I like to have a little bit of everything depending on my mood. Right now, I’m reading “The Glass Castle” by Jeanette Walls, “Everything’s Figureoutable” by Marie Forleo, and “How to be alone: If you want to, and even if you don’t” by Lane Moore. Some other self-help favorites include Brene Browns, “Dare to Lead”, David Goggin’s “Can’t Hurt Me”, and “The Artist's Way,” by Julia Cameron. And ANYTHING by Jen Sincero.

Cook up something delish!

Who doesn’t like to eat good food? And when else are you going to get the opportunity to work the kitchen like Martha Stewart? Whether it's the grill (i’ve taken up the Traeger recently), the oven, or the stovetop, there are a million ways to get creative in the kitchen.

Get your fitness on

Research shows that regular exercise can have a profoundly positive impact on depression, anxiety, ADHD, and more! It also relieves stress, improves memory, helps you sleep better, and boosts your overall mood! For me, working out is my stress release and my energy source. How many times have we compared ourselves to J-Lo, saying things like “ If I had the time to work out like it’s my job, I’d look like that too.” Well, now’s your time. Get right like J-Lo.

Clean

Yeah I said it! Is it just me, or is cleaning just so therapeutic? You know I’ve had a rough day when I’m vigorously wiping down countertops as if a squad of Spartan Racers trekked through my house.

Create Your Vision

A goal is just a dream written down. To achieve your dreams, you need to make a plan and put that bad boy into action! Sarah Centrella breaks it down real fun and easy in her best-selling book “Hustle, Believe, Receive.” Or you can take it to the next level with her new book “Futureboards”. Get on your Pinterest and start bringing your dream life to reality!

Get Inspired

My new favorite way to get inspired in Quarantine has been listening to podcasts. Specifically, success stories! Some of my favorites are Cait Pearsons, “She’s Hungry”, NPR’s “How I built this”, Hairdustry’s “Your Day Off”, Krity Mccinnis’s “Bottled Blonde” (for some serious laughs!), and Sarah Centrella’s interviews. Or if you’re more of a tech geek, check out Portland’s very own Ryan Anderson, who interviews Portland tech leaders on his “Digital Native Podcast”

Get Educated

Take an online class! There are so many FREE or discounted educational opportunities out there right now, it’s unreal! Some awesome workshops to check out are Britt Seva’s Thriver Society, Elizabeth Faye’s “Workshop in a Box, Jaya Rose’s “She Rise.” Some other people to check out and follow for some awesome online education are Goldwell, Oribe, Wella, PBA, Stephen Moody, Jenny Strebe (better known as confessions of a hairstylist on Instagram), Hair Brained, the hair nerds, Rebecca Taylor, Ambrosia Carey, Modern Salon, Behind the Chair, and Larissa Love are just a few to name!

There’s also a ton of grants and scholarships out there right now! Our very own ZibaHub is doing a $100 giveaway every week to two lucky winners! Check out their Instagram for info on how to enter! You can also head to https://beautychangeslives.org/ to apply for a relief grant, or check out https://www.probeauty.org/ to stay up to date on Covid-19 news and regulations as well as upcoming online education!

Take this time to do something you’ve always wanted to do, or were afraid of. Write that story, paint that picture, do that dance, learn that instrument. Explore new things, stretch yourself, do what makes you happy and implement it into your life. Your future self will thank you!

None of us could have imagined this new world we are living in. It’s been challenging for all of us. I challenge you to make the most of this time, and keep a positive outlook. While it may feel like we can’t control much right now, we can choose how we spend our time, how we treat others and staying positive. May we all come out of this better humans, and work together to create a stronger, more capable world!