Following Michigan’s extended shutdown of beauty salons and barber shops last year due to COVID-19 — the longest closure in the nation — the industry has formed the Michigan Association of Beauty Professionals.
Seeking a stronger voice in Lansing, the forced shutdowns endured by Michigan salons and barber shops in 2020 highlighted the need for a formal association to advocate on behalf of beauty professionals across the state.
The group was previously an unofficial organization ran by volunteers trying to connect industry members with helpful information and training opportunities. Today, the Michigan Association of Beauty Professionals is led by a nine-member founding board, with group founder Kristan Sayers, owner of K Bella Hair Studio and Spa in Brighton, serving as president.
“The events of the last year have shown us that Michigan’s beauty professionals need to work together to ensure our voices are heard,” says Sayers. “Our industry took a serious hit during the pandemic and it’s critical that we have a say in decisions about our livelihoods in Lansing. The Michigan Association of Beauty Professionals will be that voice at the state Capitol.”
Michigan is home to more than 100,000 licensed cosmetologists or barbers who were without work due to forced shutdowns in the early months of the pandemic.
Salons and barber shops received clearance to reopen with safety protocols in place in June 2020. At the time, Michigan was the only state in the country with salons that were fully closed.
MABP will work to influence public policy, industry regulation, and promote the beauty profession. The association will include salon owners and managers, manufacturers, distributors, stylists/colorists, nail artists, estheticians, electrologists, permanent makeup artists, and barbers.
In addition, the association will …
- Partner with charities so salons can help those in their community where there is a need
- Get more people involved in education and teaching
- Create and help promote competitions in Michigan
- Vote for “Best in Industry” in Michigan
- Work with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to improve on policies in the state
- Start seminars/webinars for students and businesses to stay up to date with the latest techniques
- Help aid employment by matching employers to a pool of candidates
To learn more about MABP, visit https://mibeautypros.org/.
