Jessie Klaus knows the struggle of professionals in her field as a member of the 1.2 million people of the beauty industry. With most large functions canceled and buyer confidence still low in the beauty and makeup arena, hundreds of thousands of workers and many other small businesses face unemployment and business closures. But as the government starts rolling out paycheck protection program (PPP) loans, Jessie has begun a campaign alongside the Professional Beauty Federation to raise awareness on available support to curb the pandemic’s economic effects.
Late in 2020, the government rolled out a PPP for small businesses and independent contractors struggling to get back on their feet. Jessie Klaus became one of the early recipients. But even as she received her support, she was surprised that many of her colleagues weren’t aware of it. As the first round has closed and the next round draws, Jessie has committed to spreading the word to beauty professionals.
Jessie has started working with the Professional Beauty Federation of California and its founder to tap into beauty industry channels and spread the message about the payroll protection program that could save thousands of businesses in the United States. The federation has partnered with Biz2Credit, a financial strategy firm that has helped build an infrastructure for a preapproval that the app can submit to the Lender as the next wave of funding comes.
The payroll protection program comes from the SBA, and Congress has passed a law that made the loan 100% forgivable in the next few weeks if used at least 60% or more on your business. Even as the government rolls out billions in financial aid and support, the bottleneck has been information dissemination as projects of this magnitude often need more strategic ways of getting the word out. Instead of sitting idly by and working for her own good, Jessie has gone out of her way to play her part in the community and help her colleagues and co-beauty professionals through her awareness-building initiative. They’re also running a campaign to inform small business owners about government grants for their businesses.
Jessie, also known as @jessie_doeshair, has worked with various stylists and fashion giants worldwide. She’s a Global Creative Director and lover of @cityofangelshairextensions and has been invited by beauty legends to New York and Paris Fashion Week. She’s a L’Oreal colorist, beGlammed Elite Designer, ORIBE + Bumble Ambassador, and many other brands as well. Jessie has also been known for her international brides, traveling far and wide for her clients.
Jessie is a stylist and creative director for Tribez Salons and Spa and runs social media, mainly focused on @probeautyfederation and other organizations that help raise up the industry, raising money and awareness. “These loans were inappropriately distributed, and many were wrongfully denied or approved in the past, for that matter. But everyone in the business with a payroll large enough to have some banking connections have already done their paperwork and received funding,” Jessie explains.
“Don’t wait to hear what we can help you get. Personally, what I’ve been given from this saved everything, and it’s not taxed like the EDD. However, both are there to help assist you. Upwards of 150,000 to small salon owners—fifteen thousand for some individuals of forgivable money– of standard costs. Even with maxed out credit cards this money is to help you fix it. Make it right for yourself and tour business. Don’t waste another second,” Jessie adds.
Through the beauty professional-run program, Jessie, Fred, and the rest of the Professional Beauty Federation hope that more American workers in the beauty industry will experience financial respite from the economic onslaught caused by COVID-19.
Jessie aims to encourage and motivate people to step up and get financial assistance to help the beauty community continue to thrive. “Without salons being saved, we lose salon culture and the people we love the most. It’s time to repair the broken hearts and re-inspire the masses. We have to continue the forward-thinking and look ahead. There’s a lot of fear in the industry, and we’re here to help take that away. We care, and we will continue to fight for the industry big and small because we’re all in this together.”
When asked about future plans, Jessie Klaus explains, “What we are doing is to rethink the new normal and not reject it. We’re owning a new beautiful picture of how that will look. We’re writing up new mission statements as it’s time to review the new normal. These plans are included in our future dreams, and we’ll never stop dreaming. In fact, we’ll dream even bigger because the things the industry is going to teach us after we survive will be the reward.”
To learn more about the payroll protection program, visit the project’s landing page.
