Maddie Hayes of MH Luxury Hair Studio said Covid has strong on flow for business

Local businesses across the Downs say they are struggling like never before, with staff shortages, stock delays and customer cancellations at the forefront of complications. Find out how to help here.

The recent wave of Covid-19 has continued to pose threats to local businesses, with difficulties securing stock, staff and customers at the forefront.

Maddie Hayes, owner of MH Luxury Hair Studio. Friday, July 22, 2022. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Maddie Hayes, owner of MH Luxury Hair Studio, opened her business more than a year ago, in the midst of the pandemic.

However, she says the on flow of the current wave has placed more strain on the business than before.

“From Easter to now, we’ve had every single staff member use every bit of their sick leave,” she said.

“You have to turn people away because you don’t have the staff, which creates a bigger inflow for everyone.

“We are having issues getting products, because they’re all stuck on the docks, and they don't have the workers to distribute it out.

“It’s super difficult, and you’ve got to take it day by day.”

Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce CEO Todd Rohl said small businesses across the district were worried about possible mandates and lockdowns as cases continued to rise.

“We have concerns on how it translates into normal human behaviour with buying and putting bums in seats,” he said.

“We’re seeing the difficulties to those businesses who need face-to-face customers … their numbers are down and they’re managing their businesses with reduced staff.

“It’s another layer of stress on what is happening around the world.”

Ms Hayes said her staff had strict discipline when it came to hygienic practices.

Maddie Hayes has a strict cleaning discipline in place at MH Luxury Hair Studio. Friday, July 22, 2022. Picture: Nev Madsen.

“We are disinfecting after every client, we’re constantly hand sanitising as well as always washing our hands, and we wash our capes and towels after every person,” she said.

“It’s a huge cleaning schedule, and nothing is ever reused.

“We have six sheets of daily cleaning we need to complete just to make sure that everything is on point.”

Ms Hayes said the rising cost of living was proving difficult, as customers had fewer dollars to spend on themselves.

“It’s a huge mental health issue … you need to be able to have your ‘you time’,” she said.

“People are really starting to struggle financially, so we’re hoping something can be implemented to help small businesses and people in general.”

Ms Hayes urged the public, if well, to support small businesses and shop local.

“It’s important to remember there’s a person behind the business,” she said.

“It’s the time to look after your locals and know that we’re all human too.”