
Ericka Chancellor, a former California State Board of Cosmetology Expert Examiner and Salon Owner of Sweet 1 Hair Studios in the City of Inglewood is pleased with Governor Gavin Newsom’s new COVID-19 guidelines for California issued on June 15, 2021.
Chancellor experienced the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought promises of business loans, stimulus payments, increased unemployment checks, and financial aid that failed to reach small business owners in the Hair and Nail salon industry. “The last twelve months have been a never-ending series of financial nightmares and adjustments not only for businesses, but for all salons,” said Chancellor.
During the shutdown, Chancellor shared her concerns regarding The California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, Los Angeles County Health Department, and Governor Gavin Newsom’s limited support that impacted licensed hair stylist, barbers and nail technicians. The unequal rights, privileges and lack of structured health and safety regulations for this professional hair-care community was overlooked. “In this time of a disproportionate crucial pandemic the need for health protection and safety privileges is a disparate crisis”, says Chancellor.
In this heighten COVID-19 climate, Chancellor feels with the Governor’s new guidelines there is now a glimmer of hope with hair salons and barber shops across the state reopening indoors with health precautions in place.
Chancellor has discovered in being a former California State Board of Cosmetology Expert Examiner, many stylists face challenging inspections that are completed by the board. Chancellor is available to assist stylist with fines, appeals and many legal complaints. Her organization Beyond The Chairs is designed to support and mentor stylist in the following areas:
· Motion Picture and TV Styling
· Social Media & Marketing
· Bridging Digital Divide Gaps
· The Registered for International Certification
· Booth Rental
· Independent Contracting
· Apprenticeship Training
· Out of state contracts
· Tax Consultant
I think the safety issues that were overlooked at the height of the pandemic was due to lack of evolving Education with the state. The health and safety standards, policies and procedures that were developed by the past board of barbering and cosmetology are antiquated. In order to succeed in today’s world you have to have a team of individuals that look at the future of the company and how to better develop it as they grow. The Boards has failed the hair profession community in this area as public consumers and licensees.
3. What parts of the California State Board of Cosmetology inspections I think are most challenging for stylists?
Beyond The Chairs provides assistance in the above-mentioned areas for stylists and barbers who join the organization for free. For more information contact Ericka Chancellor by email at beyondthechairs@gmail.com.
In addition, Chancellor will host an event for hair professionals to better understand state licensing. This event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, July 11, 2021 in Inglewood, California.
Ticket information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beyond-the-chairs-3rd-summer-exclusive-experience-tickets-153008174569?aff=ebdssbeac
ABOUT ERICKA CHANCELLOR
Ericka Chancellor is a licensed professional hair care business owner of 20 years. She is an expert in my infection control, client protection, and safety. Her journey began at Southern California Regional Occupational Center (SCROC) and later transferred to Contempo Beauty College in Inglewood California where her career officially began after receiving her state board certification. She has participated in several Hair Shows and has been featured in professional hair magazines. Her specialties include but are not limited to: weaves, styling, coloring, hair growth and repair, alopecia and hair consultations. After years of mastering her profession, she was recruited by State Board Of Cosmetology as an Expert Examiner in 2007, where she continues to work part time. Currently, Chancellor is organizing a register and certify event of over 1,000 stylists in 28 states in hopes to help them focus their businesses on health, safety, sanitation, and sterilization. For more information, visit www.beyondthechairs.org.