Open or Closed for Business? Communication is key

Things are changing quickly and it is our mission to help you be as prepared as possible. As a business owner, you always want to be sure that your clients and employees feel comfortable and supported, and now is no different. We want to encourage you to join us in making health and safety your #1 priority. As people are being asked to stay home by their government officials, we want to support you by sharing what we have decided to do as a business and share some best practices that may make this time a little easier for you to navigate.

As members of our community and permanent makeup professionals that work with blood and fluids, it is how we act today that will bolster customer loyalty for years down the road. As painful as business closure can be, preservation of our reputations and client safety is paramount. The fact is, in 6 months from now,  there will be less PMU artists than there are today and the resilient among us will be here to serve.

The first step we took after making the decision to close our studio doors was to share this message with our clients on our Instagram and Facebook accounts.

Tina Davies Studio Social Announcement:

View this post on Instagram

💭COVID-19 ANNOUNCEMENT 💬 As you may already know there have been major public health concerns about the COVID-19 (coronavirus) epidemic. Fortunately, to date at Tina Davies Studio, we have had no staff (or people in their immediate family) displaying any symptoms or having tested positive for coronavirus. However, we recognize this is an issue of public health concern and want our valued customers to be assured that we are taking all possible precautions to optimize the health and safety of our patrons and staff. As of March 12th, 2020, we have made the decision to close Tina Davies Studio until further notice. At this time, we have implemented a work-from-home policy for our staff effective immediately. While our team is remote, we will continue to serve our customer inquiries as diligently as we always have. What does this mean for you? If you had an appointment booked for March 2020, you will have already been notified of your cancellation and know that we are actively working to rebook your appointments as soon as possible. If you have an appointment at our studio from April 1st onwards - please be assured that, although we are hoping to be back open by then, we are monitoring the developments of COVID-19 very carefully and will always put the health and safety of our clients and staff above all else. If you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms or have any other concerns relating to this issue, we are happy to reschedule your appointment free of charge until such time as you are symptom-free and feeling 100%. If you have any questions about this, the fastest way to reach us is by email at studio@tinadavies.com or using our online chat function at tinadaviesstudio.com. You can also call us at 416-291-4188. Please be mindful that there may be a slight delay in response due to the situation at present. We thank you for your continued support of our business and look forward to seeing you soon. Tina Davies Studio team. #coronavirus #covid-19 #tinadaviesstudio

A post shared by Tina Davies Studio (@tinadaviesstudio) on Mar 13, 2020 at 9:01am PDT

If you choose to temporarily close your studio doors, feel free to follow these steps: 

1. Determine your studio policy

It is important once you determine your policy to clearly communicate this to your clients on your social channels and/or website.

Here are two great templates you can use to make your announcement. Feel free to customize it with your personal messaging!

2. Connect with your clients and community

Reach out to your clients personally to answer any of their questions they may have about their scheduled/upcoming appointments. Now is your chance to let them know you are here for them and to use this as an opportunity to strengthen your concern and proactive communication with them. During times like these, it is the small things that count. A simple check-in phone call can make all of the difference.

Here are some questions to be prepared for:

• Are you still taking private one-on-one appointments?
• Can I cancel my appointment?
• Will I lose my deposit?
• Can I get a refund of my deposit?
• How long will it be before I can get booked back in?
• How do I rebook my appointment?
• Why are you choosing to close your doors?

Make sure you have answers to these questions ahead of time so you can provide assurance and great customer service.

3. Think of creative ways to retain your clients during this time

When you are ready to re-open your studio doors, follow these steps to ensure you are taking the necessary precautions in keeping your employees and clients safe and healthy.

1. Make sure you are staying up-to-date with announcements made by your local government officials in regards to the COVID-19 virus before making any decisions.

2. Determine a new policy in light of the current events around the COVID-19 virus and clearly communicate it to your clients using your social accounts and/or website.

Here is a great template you may use to communicate your new policy:

In light of the most recent events around COVID-19, now is a perfect time to tighten up your sanitary procedures. 
  


 

• Take a state-approved refresher course on Bloodborne Pathogens. Be sure to post this certificate on your website and social media account as proof of your commitment to continuing education 
  
  
• Create an updated sterilized checklist for yourself and for your studio. You may want to consider laminating your new checklist to display in your studio.

  
Here is the Tina Davies Studio Sanitary Check-List:

1. Wipe down all surfaces in your studio with disinfectant Cavi Wipes before and after every client ( Floor, chairs, lights, work station, pre-draw pencils, mirrors, bed surfaces) 
   
   
2. Cover any other surfaces you may be touching throughout the procedures with barrier film ( ie: iPhone, lighting, rinse dispenser etc.) 
   
   
3. Wash hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap 
   
   
4. Dry hands with a disposable hand towel 
   
   
5. Line your bed with a disposable exam paper to ensure your client is not directly touching the bed 
   
   
6. Rewash hands thoroughly right before beginning your procedure
    
7. Prepare the disposable tools that you will need for your procedure. (Headband, Alcohol Swabs, Qtips, Gloves, Cotton Pads, Pigment Rings etc)
   
   
8. If you are microblading, be sure you are using a brand new single-use EO gas sterilized microblades for your procedure.
   
   
9. If using a machine, be sure to cover your machine with a machine cord cover and grip tape.
   
   
10. Once the procedure is finished, dispose microblades and needle cartridges into a FDA-approved Sharps Container. Read more about disposal here.
    
    
11. Wash hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap.
    
    
12. Remove the stress and headache of setting up your workstation by exploring the Tina Davies Professional all-in-one Sterile Kit.  

Want to keep reading?

Check out our latest blog post 50 Useful Things You Can Do During Your Downtime for more ideas on how to keep yourself centered, productive, and mindful amidst these challenging times.