By Caitlin Constable
2020. A devastating year for the entire world. Some people lost family members, some lost their jobs, and everyone lost their freedom. However, 2020 was not a negative year for all, as some were able to make light of the situation by opening their own business despite a global pandemic.
Christopher Bailey, 38, opened his own barbering business in summer 2020 after being in the barbering business for 20 years. Ace of Fades opened its doors to the people of Fleetwood in September 2020. "I never imagined it to be as successful as It has been. It has been amazing to see old customers from my previous employments as well as some new ones."
Since opening, Chris has been hit with two national lockdowns, and one regional lockdown. "It took me a long time to pluck up the courage to finally open my own shop, the pandemic made me realize that if I wanted to open my own shop, 2020 was the year to do it because we spent months where we couldn’t do anything and that really got to me."
"The pandemic made me realize that if I wanted to open my own shop, 2020 was the year to do it."
Christopher Bailey
When Chris started college, barbering was never his aim. He first started in the fashion industry. This didn’t go to plan. So, he decided to get into hairdressing instead. After a couple years hairdressing, Chris decided that, like fashion, hairdressing was not for him.
It was after this that he decided to go for barbering which he turned out to loved more than he had hoped. In his career he worked with for many barbering shops, but he dreamed to open up his own business, but never had the time nor the money.
In September, the perfect premises for his dream opened up, which allowed for Chris to take the plunge. "The shop was too perfect not to put an offer down, it had previously been an old sandwich shop, so it had space in the back for an office where the kitchen had been, it already had the plumbing, so it was perfect," says Chris.
Starting a business is tough. It requires a lot of time, money and energy. A lot of hard work goes into making sure the business can stay afloat. When reopening after the lockdowns, the shop required a lot more rules that both the customers and Chris must follow due to the pandemic.
These rules include the following:
Appointment times, each person that enter the shop can only enter if they have an appointment. This has been a success, as it does mean that Chris can take his time on each customer without having to bother about the que of people lined up. The customers have also preferred this way as it allows for them to get peace and quiet.
Mask must be worn, a mask is required for both Chris and the customer to be worn throughout their haircut. Chris also must wear a visor for extra protection.
Social distancing, both Chris and the customer have to social distance as much as possible during the allocated time slot if it's possible, however sometimes due to style of the hair cut this is not always possible hence the protection.
Card must be used as main source of payment, By using card as much as possible it means less handling of money, and less touching between Chris and the customer. However, using card is not always possible for some people so cash will be accepted if they have no other payment methods.
Cleaning must take place between each customer, This rule is more for just Chris, who must clean everything after each customer to keep COVID from spreading.
Each customer must scan the QR Code, when the customer arrives, they must scan the NHS track and trace QR code. This allows for all customers to be contacted if it happens that Chris gets COVID so that they can isolate to help prevent the spread.
Chris was able to reopen his shop 12th April after the third lockdown was finally eased. "It is great to finally be open again. I have missed each and every one of my customers and I am glad to be doing something I love once again."
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