x
Breaking News
More () »

'We don’t know what’s going to happen' | Salon owner fears for the industry

Salon owner Mandy Knieriem said without being allowed to work, she could last a maximum of three months before having to close her salon for good.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — In an empty salon, owner Mandy Knieriem reflected on happier times, back when her salon was filled with laughter. 

“It’s always light and airy and fun," said Mandy Knieriem, owner of Echo Salon in Middletown. 

At 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear ordered salons and other businesses to shut their doors to combat coronavirus.

“And that’s pretty much all we’ve heard at this point," Knieriem said.

She said she had just bought $6,000 in hair products that will now go to waste.

“There’s nothing we could do with it," Knieriem said.

Bruce Gadansy with Louisville’s Better Business Bureau said businesses of all sizes are suffering. Grouping salons into the industry of personal services, he said it’s among those hardest-hit by coronavirus.

RELATED: Kentucky governor orders gyms, salons, other businesses to close to combat coronavirus

Credit: Better Business Bureau

“So it’s a long and far reached effect all over the place," Gadansy said. “We’ve got issues with like entertainment business, the movies are closed, there’s no plays going on.”

Knieriem said she gets strength from her clients, who tell her they're thinking of her. She said she also gets support from her faith. 

Knieriem said without being allowed to work, she could last a maximum of three months before having to close her salon for good, having to leave the industry entirely.

RELATED: Why is Kentucky so far behind in coronavirus drive-thru testing?

RELATED: 'This is something that none of us have ever faced': Local businesses impacted by pandemic

RELATED: 'I've had to layoff the majority of my staff,' Louisville restaurant owner says

►Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users. 

Have a news tip? Email assign@whas11.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.

             

Before You Leave, Check This Out