(4-29-30) Coldwater’s Lynn Sheffer, who owns the Anew You Salon, is asking state politicians to allow her business and other businesses like it to be able to open.
She makes a very convincing plea in her posting on why it is important to allow her to make a living.
The last paragraph shows her feelings –
I’m asking you to take action NOW! The American Dream that’s what I’m living for, but YOU are taking it away from me. I understand COVID19 is deadly, but YOU are slowly killing the American Dream of many small businesses in Ohio.
Sent to the following –
Governor Mike DeWine, Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted
, Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board, State Representative Susan Annette Manchester,Senator Matt Huffman, Ohio Speaker of the House Larry Householder
, Senate President Larry Obhof, House Minority Leader Emilia Sykes, Senate Minority Leader Kenny Yuko
Welcome to Mercer County, where we are over 41,000 people strong and to the Village of Coldwater, my hometown where I, Lynn Sheffer, am the sole owner of Anew You Salon.
In 2006, I opened my salon and have been an independent, self-employed stylist for 23 years. I work in my salon alongside my five works sisters, who are also self-employed, independent contractors.
As a self-employed business owner, I know the sacrifices it takes to keep things going. I have missed family events, been late countless times, missed my children’s activities, and high school sporting achievements. I have done the long days, the off days, and the Sundays. I’ve done all this knowing that these are the sacrifices you make to provide for your family and keep your small business alive! I work hard daily as the sole owner and sole provider to my 3rd generation family farm.
Since your orders on March 18th, I haven’t been able to make a dime. The government assistance IS STILL NOT in place yet. How do you expect a person and small businesses to survive? How do I pay for the mortgage, utilities, medical insurance, liability insurance, business/homeowners insurance, groceries, etc.?
Salons and stylists are already certified in salon sanitation. We will take this to the next level because our clients are our extended families. We love our clients and will protect them. I don’t understand how clients can start coming into the salon for retail sales starting May 12 but cannot get a personal service? There are all kinds of people at big-box stores like Walmart, Lowes, Target. They are all NOT social distancing; NOT all are wearing mask, and NO ONE took their temperatures. Yet all the big box stores have been open throughout this crisis. Remember, big box stores do NOT make up the wonderful communities in the Buckeye State, the small mom and pop businesses DO!
I will implement the safety procedures required by the state. I already have the following ready to go.
1. I have an HVAC system with High-output Germicidal, UVC lamps.
2. The HVAC system also has a fresh air return, which brings fresh air into the salon.
3. If necessary, we will take temperatures at the door with a contactless thermometer and ask if they have had a temperature and /or cough in the past two weeks.
4. We will have mask available for salon staff and client’s.
5. We will have clients wait in their vehicles until we call them in for their service.
6. New capes and extra sanitation for every client.
7. Social distance between stylists stations at least 6 feet.
Why can’t our State Board of Cosmetology approve of salon COVID safety plans? Why can’t our local, State Board inspector approve it? They know us! They come into our salons. If a salon doesn’t feel safe, let them opt-out. Why can’t you allow county commissioners to approve plans and open county by county? We are all in the same storm, but not every county is in the same boat!
I’m asking you to take action NOW! The American Dream that’s what I’m living for, but YOU are taking it away from me. I understand COVID19 is deadly, but YOU are slowly killing the American Dream of many small businesses in Ohio.
Sincerely,
Lynn Sheffer
Proud Small Business Owner
Anew You Salon
Coldwater, Ohio
Mercer County Outlook 
You go girl! Our government is killing our salons! As an IC I cannot get unemployment and by taking the loan, we forfeit those costs covered by the PPP that we are entitled to as deductions. They are handing out more money to people who are already getting something from welfare or unemployment. What about those of us who are forced to shut down without any means of income? What about our families?! How are we supposed to move forward when we are barely even making it as is?
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