I Run a Queer-Friendly Salon That Is Currently Closed Amid the Pandemic

This story a part of [our series](https://www.allure.com/story/covid-effect-beauty-industry) investigating how the continuing pandemic impacts the beauty market. In this edition, Jamie DiGrazia, hairstylist and owner of Chicago’s Logan Parlor, shows the special pain that communicates closing a company which doubles as a secure area.

From “Where Everyone Knows Your Name,” June 2018: “The Parlor is a hair salon moment and a secure community space , thus the radically optimistic vibes. You might even drink there. LGBTQ activists Jamie DiGrazia (a hairstylist) and Tricia Serpe (on the company side) started Logan Parlor seven decades back on Chicago’s North Side. It is among the nation’s first gender-neutral salons.”

Well, a month ago, everything was fine, right? We were looking forward to spring, putting blonde back in people’s hair. Once we heard that this [disease] was spreading, and they were suggesting that people stay home, a lot of our guests were canceling their appointments and wanting to reschedule. We closed on March 16th — before we were mandated to — until the 31st, the media’s suggestion [at the time, thinking] that if we stayed in for two weeks it would go away.

[Chicago mayor] Lori Lightfoot mandated everyone to close, and then she showed up [on TV] with a nice haircut. And she said, ‘Well, I’m in the public eye…’ I don’t know — to me, it’s crazy.

I tried to stay positive for the team for the first couple of weeks. Right away I had to make a plan about how to close the business. I made a Google doc, like, “Alright, we think we’ll be able to go back on April 7th. What do we need to do for three weeks? We have to cancel water delivery, paper delivery.” Then the reality sank in.

We set up a GoFundMe for the stylists. People have donated over $2,000 to our team! We’re going to give it out [on] Friday. All of our clients have basically been giving me ideas of what to do now, like “You have to be able to sell gift cards online.” We did curbside pickup for hair care two days ago. And now we’re launching an online store with the help of L’Oréal and Haircom. The salon will get 20 percent commission, and literally, that’s our only income.

I also had to apply for unemployment. On March 19th, I was online trying to figure out how to apply for unemployment, and they just take the information off of your ID — birthday, weight, and name. And they kept saying “we can’t verify your information at this time.” Why on earth not? They knew I was lying about my weight! They gave me this number to call, and it was busy, for 10 days. Then I got through, and I had to listen to this seven-minute message about them being really busy. In the end, the line hung up. Super frustrating. I was like, “Is it my browser, my Internet?”

I finally got through on April 9th, after trying since March 19th. I registered and am supposed to be hearing back with next steps. I have some money saved, thank goodness, but my team is comprised of young stylists who have just started their careers. They’re more positive about it, which is so nice.

Part of the CARES Act is a $10,000 business loan, and my accountant, who has been amazing, said to apply for it. Now she’s suggesting I apply for the [Small Business Association] loan, too. I just know there’s money that I’ll get currently a loan.