Owner: 'We are community-focused'
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E&M Hair owner Loretta Hays says people of all ages are welcome at her salon. (Pioneer photo/Joe Judd)
E&M Hair owner Loretta Hays says people of all ages are welcome at her salon. (Pioneer photo/Joe Judd)
E&M Hair owner Loretta Hays says people of all ages are welcome at her salon. (Pioneer photo/Joe Judd)
E&M Hair owner Loretta Hays says people of all ages are welcome at her salon. (Pioneer photo/Joe Judd)
Editor’s note: This feature story is one of many that will run in the Pioneer this week in anticipation of Small Business Saturday.
BIG RAPIDS — For many residents across Big Rapids looking to make some cosmetic changes to their hair, nails, makeup or other cosmetic services, the choice is an easy one.
Located on South Michigan Avenue, E&M Hair offers its services to locals on an appointment-based, eco-friendly manner, and is owned and operated by Loretta Hays.
Hays and her staff are proud members of the community and highly value the services they provide to their many customers.
“I would say we are community-focused,” Hays said. “We try to be involved as much as we can and help out where we can.”
Hays said she views her salon as more of a family-oriented establishment, as generations of families have passed through her doors over time.
From kids to adults and grandparents, E&M caters to anyone.
“We have a lot of families that come in here, so it’s just a different vibe from other salons around the area,” Hays said. “We love having kids come in. We have a candy drawer for them that they all look forward to.”
As virtually all of her employees have children and families of their own, Hays points to this as another reason for such a family-friendly environment.
This is the primary reason why E&M is not open for business during the weekend.
“We work late during the week and have the weekends off — I would say that makes us different,” Hays said.
Amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent limitations and shutdowns, Hays’ salon has gone through similar struggles that small, locally owned businesses across the country have experienced for months.
The recent tightening of restrictions have forced E&M to limit some of its services for the time being, but it will still be allowed to keep its doors open.
“It’s been a lot of work. We’ve moved stuff around and space out guests as much as we can,” Hays said. “We disinfect each area wherever the person moves — everywhere they go is disinfected in between each area, and that’s only to keep everybody safe.”
From chairs, to hairdryers, to the shampooing area, it all receives frequent sanitization from open to close.
When it comes to social-distancing, the nature of cosmetic work makes it slightly tougher for Hays and her colleagues to do so.
“Social-distancing isn’t as ideal, because obviously you’re working with guests,” Hays said. “Being able to have your mask on during that time hopefully gives customers and our stylists more reassurance that we’re being as safe as we can.”
As Thanksgiving approaches and Christmas soon to follow during the pandemic, Hays said she is thankful for everyone who supports her business.
She also said it’s important for people to shop locally.
“Each small business is owned by a family in the area,” Hays said. “They’re also employing people in the area — they’re able to support their workers and their families. Each time someone makes a purchase or gets a service, it really does have a trickle down effect and it helps so many people.”
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