Currently, in the United States, there are over 1,000,000 Independent Lifestyle Professionals that represent an estimated $50 Billion in revenue a year.  The Independent Lifestyle Professional generates an estimated $7.75 Billion in Self-Employment Tax paid to the Federal Government. These independent business owners will not qualify for a SBA Loan because they have no employees.

Minnesota salon professionals are under tremendous pressure due to the Covid-19 crisis. Many are facing just not loss of income, but the potential of losing their business. Independent lifestyle professional provide services that keep all Americans looking and feeling amazing. (Hairstylists, barbers, lash artists, aestheticians, nail techs, brow artists, personal trainers, tattoo artists, and so many others that are too many to name). As state and local leadership, you have discussed how those who can operate safely and reasonable should be allowed to do so.

We're asking you to create guidelines, requirements and timelines to allow independent lifestyle professionals to return to work one-on-one with clients. We are highly trained in sanitation and required by the state board of cosmetology to complete training every year to ensure sanitary conditions are maintain and disease spread is minimized. Many of us work out of private salon spaces, where all services are completed one-one-one and in spaces that are easily sanitized between clients. 

We believe strongly that the health and wellness of our communities is top priority. We also believe in our role as part of that wellness community for both physical and mental health. Increase the communication with our industry and let us know what we can do to get back to work and helping our client through this long return to normal.