Salon owner makes decision to re-open despite Oregon's 'stay-at-home' order

SALEM, Ore. (KATU) — Lindsey Graham, owner of Glamour Salon in Salem, says she's preparing to take appointment-only clients this week in spite of a stay-at-home order that shuttered non-essential businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.

Starting this Tuesday, Graham says she is doing five appointments a day. She tells KATU she's booked out for the next three weeks.

"Since that order, we have no income coming into our house. We have yet to receive a government loan refunding. We received one $600 check for unemployment. I received no unemployment," she said.

Governor Brown hasn't given the green light for salons to open in Oregon yet. Graham said this is a way to provide for her family.

“I’m terrified. I’m absolutely terrified. I’m terrified that I’m doing this interview and that means on Tuesday I do need to open. I need to stand by my word and now that it’s public it’s even more terrifying," she said.

RELATED | Salons can't reopen while social distancing measures in place, Gov. Brown's office says

Graham said stylists will be working in individual rooms, one client at a time. They'll sanitize stations and tools in between, and masks are available upon request.

"I know that they’re already using safety guidelines in every day service before the coronavirus. I know that moving forward the level of preparation will be very high and I don’t have any problems coming in," client Brandon Eastman said.

Graham said she's worried about the consequences, but plans to move forward.

"I’m not making any kind of political stand and I’m not anti-government. I’m not trying to create a riot or an uprising or a revolution. I just need to make money for my family," she said.

The owner said this will be about a third of the usual capacity. She's encouraging high-risk clients to stay home.

Oregon State Police said people who violate the order could be arrested or cited with a Class C Misdemeanor. OSP tells KATU all Oregon law enforcement are united on the premise that police action is a last resort.