Personal service businesses reopen for third time since pandemic hit

By ALEX McCUAIG Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on June 2, 2021.

The hair was falling like snow around the chairs at Issac’s Barbershop, as Hatters were once again able to get haircuts with the easing of provincial health restrictions taking effect Tuesday.

“I feel like I’ve opened for the first time,” said owner Calvin Maltin. “The third wave took the wind out of me.”

It was actually the third reopening for personal services in the city since the pandemic hit in March 2020.

And while the scissors remained on the counter, Maltin’s customers’ hair just kept growing.

Co-owner of Sheer Waves, Sheila Parsons, says she won’t be wearing heels anytime soon with a good two weeks of 14-hour days ahead of her to catch up.

Despite that, “I’m so happy to be back,” she said.

And with a few people having their dream skin illustration put off or worked on in fits and starts, Lucky Squid Tattoo parlour owner Olie Larson says, “Our phones have been ringing off the hook … We’re booked solid until September.”

Larson said while, “we’re all working our shirts off,” there has been a bright side to the pandemic.

“The extra time with my family,” he said.

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