Local salon owner overcomes long-term challenges

Laura Cole Chrisinske checks in Robin Lowe-Fletcher’s temperature using a touchless forehead scanner. “I can’t thank our community enough for the support that has been given through these times and through COVID-19 challenge,” Robin emphasized. “And can’t wait for the day when we can get back to some normalcy and take down out partitions and start hugging again.”

by Patrice Johnson

Robin Lowe-Fletcher founded Simply You Hair Salon nearly nine years ago, as “a new beginning.” Three years ago, she received a bleak cancer diagnosis, and her challenges looked immense. Recently, when asked how she was doing, Robin grinned and replied, “Still here, and I’m still going, but hands down, coping with COVID-19 is one of the hardest challenges I’ve faced with the salon.”

When Robin first fell ill, people spoke in whispers about her condition, and she felt too ill to operate the salon. But people in her sphere wouldn’t hear of letting her walk alone and stepped forward. One example, Laura Cole Chrisinske voluntarily took on more hours styling hair, and she added operational responsibilities.

At the time, Laura stated, “Robin needs to direct all her energies to getting well and not worry about her business. This is how I can help her.” Often working long hours alone and into evenings and weekends, Laura was determined to see Robin through her tough times. She cut back on her hours in an Ann Arbor salon. Vacations? “Not for a while,” she replied without complaint.

Other employees pitched in as well, often despite working other, sometime full-time, jobs. Stylists Kelsey Kunzelman and Nicole Coleman picked up more hours and focused on helping in ways they could. Receptionist Linda (Fletcher) Petsch, a full-time elementary teacher at the time, cheerfully kept clients rolling in and helped with salon events like its annual Christmas tree-trimming contest.

“I am blessed to have these ladies,” Robin said, with uncharacteristic intensity. “They really stepped up when I got sick. I’m blessed to have them.”

Throughout her difficult, sometimes-debilitating recovery, Robin worked behind the scenes from home. She communicated with staff, kept the books, managed inventory, and planned events. Above all, she worked to ensure Simply You remained a vibrant and attractive haven for its customers.

Today, Robin is again playing an active role in the salon, helping it rise to the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. “Covid has really changed the industry,” she said and summarized her three priorities as safety, safety and safety.

Laura Cole Chrisinske displays the customized “reset tub” consisting of freshly disinfected supplies and materials like clips, gowns and towels prepared in advance for each arriving guest.

Gone are the days of walk-in customers. Patrons are asked to call ahead for appointments and call on arrival. Each is escorted inside through an otherwise locked side door, one customer allowed per one stylist. Instead of the welcoming reception area that once housed coffee, water and cookies, customers temperatures are taken with a forehead scanner, and they are asked to complete a contact-tracing form. Hand sanitizers? Of course. Plastic and plexiglass partitions block virus spread. Each stylist’s station bears a sign certifying she is “barbicide licensed.”

“It’s the warmth that we’re missing,” Robin lamented. “We love to have the families coming in, and now we’re one at a time. We miss our drop-ins.”

“We implemented masks from the beginning,” Laura chimed in, “and we have sanitation regulations that go above and beyond.” As an example, she toted out a “reset tub” consisting of freshly disinfected supplies and materials like clips, gowns and towels. Each tub is efficiently prepared in advance, she said, and customized for arriving guests.

“Staff cleans high touch-points like door handles and the restroom every hour,” she added and proudly displayed a new color processor that “cuts customer time from hours to minutes.”

Despite sterile adaptations, Robin and friends have succeeded in maintaining the salon’s customary warm and welcoming ambience. Friendly-looking signs remind customers to social distance, wash hands and wear masks. Bright sunshine cuts through regulated Plexiglass.

Among myriad other welcoming touches, Robin said, “We added flowers to combat the sterile look.”

“I can’t thank our community enough for the support that has been given through these times and through COVID-19 challenge,” Robin emphasized, “and can’t wait for the day when we can get back to some normalcy and take down out partitions and start hugging again.”

Simply You Salon is located at 115 East Elizabeth, Stockbridge, and may be contacted by phone or Facebook.