“What Getting A Haircut Is Like Post-quarantine”
“Molly Black, co-owner of Gem Salon + Spa in Saint Paul, Minn. is following similar precautions to Nine Zero One. While Minnesota allowed salons to reopen on June 1, Black waited until June 17 to reopen to ensure safety measures were properly in place.”
Gem Salon Spa Feature / InStyle Magazine / June 2020
“More voices need to be heard…”
“More voices need to be heard before salons rush to reopen. Do the stylists and other service providers who will work on the front lines agree with reopening soon? Do they feel pressured to return by salon owners, financial stress, or the fear of losing clients? How do they feel about the possibility of giving up unemployment benefits now only to face the same situation again in a matter of weeks or months when a second wave of infections hit? What about those with health conditions, children, or vulnerable household members? How do they feel about the risk of losing clients if they decide to protect themselves and others by delaying their return to work?”
Gem Salon Spa Feature / Fashionista / May 2020
“Salons are reopening, but is it safe to get a haircut right now?”
“On the other hand, some stylists are uneasy about returning to work. Neal Miller Black and Molly Black, the owners of Gem Salon in Minnesota (where salons can open starting June 1), think the timing is too soon. "I don't think we're quite there yet," Black says. "I think we've done a great job at flattening the curve, but testing isn't as widespread here, and that's definitely a concern." Reallocating protective gear is another major consideration. "When we reopen, we're going to have to get masks and other PPE," Black says. "With conflicting reports out there about the availability of this equipment for health care providers, I worry that we'll be taking it away from other essential businesses."
Gem Salon Spa Feature / Refinery29 / May 2020
“The former Fivetwosix salon gets a fresh look and community emphasis.”
“When veteran hairstylist Molly Black bought FiveTwoSix Salon in 2015, she didn’t expect to change much about the space, a longtime fixture of the Cathedral Hill neighborhood. But she soon realized its untapped potential, so last year she rebranded it as Gem Salon & Spa, a stylish, full-service salon that now offers nail services, waxing, and massages in addition to hair cuts and color.”
Gem Salon Spa Feature / Minnesota Monthly / June 2017