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By Donnamy Steele

The Atmore Advance

Gregg’s is one of many salons finally able to get back to business during the recent reopening of the state of Alabama. The owner of Gregg’s, Gregg Akins, said the salon has been doing since their recent return.

Gregg’s has stayed busy since their doors reopened, although change was inevitable due to the situation at hand.

“It’s more time consuming,” Akins said. “At this time, the salon is no longer allowing walk-ins. “We keep the doors locked, no walk-ins.” The salon will open the doors as clients arrive for their scheduled appointments, he said.

With the recent pandemic causing panic among the public, Akins has added extra sanitary measures to keep clients safe while at the salon.

“We have to be extra diligent with sanitizing to make clients feel safer, but we’ve been busy,” he added.

Although the salon is not up to full capacity yet, Gregg’s is staying constantly busy.

Akins described the hardships that he has faced in the salon since reopening, saying that he had trouble finding the proper sanitizing materials needed due to the virus. He was not able to find lysol, clorox wipes and sanitizer, he said.

Akins said he had to travel to find the necessary products prior to reopening. “We had to go to the Murder Creek Distillery to get sanitizer,” Akins said.

Aside from searching for sanitation supplies, Gregg’s anticipates the return of many clients and hairstylists during the transition. “People have been misplaced for a while,” Akins said. He said the salon is missing one hairstylist who has moved to another salon and another stylist who is still at home during this time. “We are missing hairstylists and their clients,” Akins said.

Akins said the clients’ safety and happiness is at the top of his priority list. “We are trying to make everyone happy and safe at the same time,” Akins said.

Akins said his concerns for if a second wave of COVID returns to the state.

“I think it will be here and we’ll have to learn how to manage it. I think another wave is coming

and I’m gonna let the good Lord have control,” Akins said.

Akins expressed his gratitude toward the healthcare workers who are on the frontlines during this time, saying that he is “thankful for those on the line every day.”

Similar to Gregg’s, Heavenly Escape Spa and Salon has been busy since the reopening this month. Summer Sanders explains that the salon hasn’t missed a beat.

“It’s been great. We’re wearing masks. Business has been good, it’s been steady, and everyone is obeying the rules,” Sanders explains.

The idea of having to deal with closing the salon due to a second wave of the virus isn’t going to damper the salon staff’s optimism. “If it comes, we’ll go with the flow and take the punches. We know the clients are faithful and will be there. We can make it through a second wave,” Sanders said.

When describing the struggles the salon has faced due to the situation at hand, Sanders explains that there haven’t been many bumps in the road. “We’ve been keeping our distance, wearing masks, sanitizing, and trying to fit everyone in,” Sanders said.

Sanders emphasizes how thankful the salon is for the support of their clients and looks forward to continuing with business. “We’re glad to be back and look forward to seeing everyone soon,” Sanders said.

Gregg’s is located at 106 N Trammell St, Atmore, Alabama 36502 and can be reached at 251-368-3893. Heavenly Escape Spa and Salon is located at 103 N Main St, Atmore, AL 36502 and can be reached at (251) 359-2602.