pandemic strikes nail salons

By Andy Nguyen

COVID19 has been a serious aspect in the year 2020, one of them affecting nail salons. My mom, Mina Vo, is a nail technician and an owner at Santa Clara, California.

The pandemic has primarily restricted opening due to close-contact interactions around the community and neighboring counties. Therefore, the pandemic is negatively impacting small businesses.

As nail salons open, there are many considerable orders and protocols my mom has to improvise during the pandemic. Nail salons have precautions that were needed to continue the business.

“There was the 6-feet distance tape, [paper, COVID19 signs], plastic coverings over the [manicure] tables, and [pedicure] chairs. [Also] no seating.” my mom exclaimed.

She ordered certain health supplies and received a certificate to verify that she is capable of maintaining the community safe.

During the many months of closure, my mom had to receive unemployment benefits to support my family and necessities.

“[I’ve received help from] programs such as EDD (Employment Development Department). I’ve been getting benefits, and the state-federal helps too.” she stated.

My mom had to get accustomed to the new precautions that were brand new to her. There were still unexpected moments where she continued and forgot how to follow the guidelines in hygiene or sanitation.

When I asked my mother how important hygiene or sanitation were, she responded, “Eh . . . hmm, strict! We, (her and the employees) have to clean our nail supplies to disinfect everything! Wear gloves once per usage, put candy and tea bags away like your dad said and scolded at me.” she complained.

During the rise of the pandemic, there was an on-and-off operating system, where the local health orders allowed some services to resume - such as opening outdoors or limiting customer capacity, unless cases remain widespread.

“Well, [they] finally had outdoor services - but I would hate to do it in the heat. Moreover, I don’t want to move my nail supplies. It’s inconvenient.” My mom felt uncomfortable because COVID19 regulations made it more difficult for her to work.

According to The Mercury News, “Coronavirus shutdowns are hitting Bay Area Vietnamese-owned nail salons hard” by Laurence Du Sault, over one third of nail salon owners were unable to pay rent any longer and would be slowly running out of money. Around 70% of California's nail salon workers are Vietnamese-American. Tran, a nail salon owner herself, confessed that she would have to force her nail salon to be temporarily closed, leading to emptiness and no support on the busy streets.

In late July 2020, the government officially allowed nail salons to open indoors. My mom is a hard working, determining, and reliable woman. She started to act quickly.

“I let my customers know I am finally open - by calling and texting their numbers. They always ask me when I will reopen.” “The business [and customers] still come in at a very slow-pace. I call my employee whenever I need help. I have enough customers to do, it’s just not enough for the employees.” she added.

Many customers are urging their nails to be done. They enjoy my mom doing their nail services and beg her to open as soon as possible. She never disappoints them. Nail salons are such an accessible beauty place for daily productivities.

Having to own a nail salon was a big accomplishment for my mom and she wouldn’t give it up on her hopes. She remained calm and collected, even when COVID19 was in her way.