Barber Franklin: ‘Don’t Take Anyone, Anything for Granted’

Jerome Franklin, owner of Starting Lineup Barber & Beauty Shop in Youngstown, is coming back strong. You can read more about the shop at its Facebook page.

What are some ways the COVID-19 outbreak has affected your organization, and how is it rebounding? 

The COVID-19 virus put a halt on business, shutting us down for two and a half months, with no income nor unemployment. Rebounding has been tough and very slow since we have returned back to the barber shop. We have had to compete with many other companies to purchase sanitary items, which has made it very expensive. A few employees decided to stay not cutting because of the fear of the virus. We also had clients choose to wait it out for a couple weeks to see how things played out.  
  

How has the outbreak affected your personal life? 

This outbreak definitely makes you put things in perspective, from family, business and personal reasons. I’ve lost a couple clients that passed because of this virus. You realize the danger and the seriousness of the virus.  

What steps are you taking to come back strong? 

The Starting Lineup barbershop, salon and spa are doing everything possible to ensure that the employees and our customers are comfortable and remaining safe.  We are doing our part to make sure we constantly clean and sanitize to prevent any outbreak. 

What advice are you sharing with the people you love? 

Live your best life every day and treat it like it’s your last.  Life is precious and unexpected.  Don’t take time, anything or anyone for granted. Life is too short.