We love stories of kindness, especially during these rough times. So, we were thrilled to hear that two hairdressers from Leicestershire were saved from unemployment by local hair salon, Barrie Stephen Hair, after losing their jobs due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
An act to applause
On the same day the Prime Minister announced business restrictions that saw hairdressers close their doors, Lynne and Brad were left at risk of unemployment when the salon they worked at took the decision to close for good.
Looking to support the local hairdressing sector at this unprecedented time, Barrie Stephen, owner of Barrie Stephen Hair, reached out to the stylists with the opportunity to continue their careers. He offered both Lynne and Brad a role at his hair salon in Anstey, one of five businesses in the Barrie Stephen Hair Group.
Lynne, who worked at her previous salon for 17 years, is thrilled at the opportunity to continue doing a job she has enjoyed for nearly two decades.“It’s been really tough leaving a salon that I have worked at for many years, but I am so grateful for this new opportunity. I’m excited and ready to get back to doing what I love and starting afresh in a new salon. I hope to see many of my clients join me as I move to the new salon – I can’t wait to see them all again soon!” she said.
Brad, a young stylist still new to the profession, is relieved that he has the chance to grow his skills and passion for hair at an award-winning salon:“I’m so grateful that Barrie has taken me on, as we are all going through such a difficult time. I really to appreciate it. I can’t wait to be back at work! I’m looking forward to meeting new people on this new journey and furthering my professional skills.”
Looking at the future
Even under the current business restrictions and uncertain economic time, Barrie Stephen is keen to keep moving forward with his plans to grow the business – preparing for when the doors to his salons open once again. Barrie has a long history of working closely with other independent businesses across the Midlands and saw this as an opportunity to not only keep two skilled hairdressers in employment, but a way to offer support to the Leicester business community.
Barrie said, “When any local business has to close, it is incredibly sad for the whole community. It is a harsh reality check, but we must continue to pull together in support, ready for when we can re-open. I’m delighted to welcome Lynne and Brad to the Barrie Stephen Hair team. As a business we are focusing on the future, looking at ways to keep our salons going at the current time and ensuring we are able to come back with a bang. Our two new recruits will certainly help us to do this.”
Bravo, Barrie!
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