Lockdown & keeping creative: Natalie’s Story…

Lockdown 2020! Who would have thought a few short months ago, as we were all living our normal lives obliviously, that we would be struck with a worldwide pandemic, made to lockdown in our homes and for a lot of us, leave behind our passions for an unknown future?

For me, as a self employed hair stylist who rents space within a busy studio, I was absolutely terrified to say the least! Where was I going to get my income from? What would I do tucked away in my house, not able to talk my tongue off with my clients on a daily basis? Whose problems would I listen to and attempt to advise solutions? 🤣😩

My first priority when this began was to discover what financial support I could get, being self employed. I was able to claim Universal Credit, which helped a little with my bills. However, as we all know, there wasn’t too much help available to begin with. Recently, they have introduced the Self Employment Scheme which has been a lifesaver! So if anybody doesn’t already know about this and you’re self employed, you can claim 80% of your earnings back to help you! Just search Self Employment Scheme and it will tell you if you’re eligible! I hope this helps! 🌸

I have always been a very creative person and when isolation first started, I decided to develop my skills in a lot of areas! I learned to crochet, I gardened, I decorated the house, I basically turned from my 28 year old self into a 60 year old retiree 😂 but I found all of these things helped me to cope mentally.

Physically, I have a 7 year old niece living with me, so as part of our daily routine, we have been completing Joe Wicks’ morning workouts, going on bike rides and I’ve decided to take up running! I even ordered myself some athlete-style trainers in the hope it would encourage me more 😂. So physically and mentally I am keeping myself active, which I believe is key to a positive, healthy lifestyle.

During this storm, I have been blown away by people’s kindness, generosity and togetherness. I hope that when this is over, we carry on with this positive attitude towards each other and work together and unite 🖤. It makes for much happier memories! I applaud our NHS, our teachers, our care workers, everybody who has helped keep this nation going through their key work and they have done so without any complaint 🖤 Thank you truly.

As I cannot work during this time, in order to help my clients feel normal, I have been giving my best advice possible. I have been giving daily updates on my story as to what is happening and when we will be able to return. I have also been making small posts and videos to help my clients with things like their hair condition, e.g. recommending home treatments, how to trim their own fringe for those who seem to have grown curtains 🤣 and general care tips. I have made small personal videos and have had video chats with my clients to recommend colours they can buy and how to apply them properly!

As the days and weeks fly past, I have been preparing a little for the day I can cross those studio doors, pick up my scissors and tint brush and make somebody feel so good again!! I have been completing small online courses to help me prepare in regards to PPE and I have been doing refresher courses in hair braiding, wedding styles and many more!!

I hope, like me, everybody is keeping those minds healthy and taking care of themselves. Stay safe, be well and I will see you on the other side! 🌈

Natalie Whittle
Instagram & Facebook: hairbynatalie.thefacehouse