Without small business, we’re nothing. TheLatch— and GoDaddy have teamed up to rally behind local businesses and entrepreneurs during this unprecedented time of change.
We’re speaking to small businesses and entrepreneurs across the country to better understand how they’re adapting to stay open, how they’re keeping their community safe, and how we can support them now during this time, and beyond. We’re focused on keeping Australia open for business, even if doors are closed. #OpenWeStand
Renya Xydis is a Sydney-based hairstylist and salon owner. She’s also a hairdresser to the stars, having styled the likes of Nicole Kidman, Cate Blanchett and Naomi Watts — to name a few.
Xydis and her husband Jim founded two salons Valonz Haircutters and Salon X By Renya Xydis in Paddington and have been apart of the local business community there since 1989.
“We have created a space that allows hairstylists to grow through constant training and innovation and allows clients to feel at home,” Xydis told TheLatch—.
“We strive to be innovators in the hair industry, whilst providing an atmosphere where all our clients feel welcome as well as service that leaves every client thrilled with their hair!”
The Australian Government currently includes hairdressers in its list of ‘essential businesses’ that can continue to operate, but Xydis recently made the tough decision to close her salons for the safety of both her staff and clients.
Alexandra McCarthy: Hi Renya! Given the circumstances, how have your salons been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?
Renya Xydis: Our business has been affected by the shift in government regulations and obviously the global pandemic. It is unprecedented for all of us, so we have tried our best to ensure our standards of health and safety have been high and we have been there for our clients and staff as we all figure out this new time together.
For now, we have cancelled our appointments to keep our staff safe and we do have our front desk open if anyone should want to come in and see Harold to make a future appointment.
“Ultimately we found it safest and most responsible to close our doors.”
For a while, we tried our hardest to ensure that health and safety standards were kept and that restrictions were followed, but ultimately we found it safest and most responsible to close our doors for the time being.
My priority was client safety and staff, so we decided best we adhere to social distancing and put a hold on any appointments. It was a heart-wrenching decision and hard for all of us, but we will be back and better than ever when things calm down.
AM: What are you focusing on now while the salons are closed?
RX: For now, it is about connecting with our community via content creation via our platforms as well as for my partnerships with Wella and Dyson. We are also having regular calls/FaceTime/Zoom meetings as well as planning for our reopening!
“We are having regular calls/FaceTime/Zoom meetings as well as planning for our reopening!”
AM: Is there anything your clients can do to support your salons at this time?
RX: We encourage you to keep in communication with us. Our salon phones are still online and we would love to hear from you if you have any concerns about future appointments or appointments that need to be changed or cancelled, just call us. We also are accepting prepayments on treatments, this means we can keep cashflow up!
AM: Once you re-open, what can we do to support Valonz and Salon X?
RX: Book your appointments and show your support for the future. We can’t wait to have you all back in the salon, it will definitely be a well anticipated reopening for everyone and their regrowth! We are a community and more than anything we would love your support and encouragement through this tough time.
AM: Have you experienced a financial hit due to the COVID-19 pandemic?
RX: Obviously the financial climate is changing rapidly alongside this pandemic. Our biggest financial hit has come from closing our salon doors, unfortunately. However, we believe in the power of positivity and know we will be back better than ever before we know it.
Visit Valonz to book your next hair appointment.
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