GEORGETOWN, Ky. (LEX 18) — Supply shortages across the country make it difficult enough for some hospitals to be fully stocked on masks, but they're even harder to find on the shelves.
That's why one hair dresser is making it her mission to protect as many people as possible.
Parking lots for hair salons across the state are empty, and that's no different at Enfinity Salon in Georgetown. Inside the salon, the sound of hair dryers and laughter are replaced by the clicks of Susanne Hardin's sewing machine.
"It's nice to have this little skill," Hardin said of sewing.
To slow the spread of COVID-19, hair salons were among the non-essential businesses forced to shut their doors. That has left Hardin and four others at this shop without an income.
"That's my job. That's my career. That's my livelihood," Hardin said of her business. "When people come in here and they get their hair done, they feel better."
Now, she's relying on an old trade to help people feel safer when out and about as the coronavirus continues to spread.
"We just tried to figure out a way to help, and we figured what better way to do it than masks," said Hardin.
She's even enlisted her five year-old son to help. "Teamwork makes the dream work," said Taytum Hardin. Hardin says this is a team effort.
Stylists without a job right now have pitched in with items and support. In less than a week, Hardin has finished more than two hundred masks.
She's producing these mainly with cancer survivors, military, emergency responders and pregnant women in mind.
"There's not a lot that are thinking about those ladies, and they're carrying precious life," said Hardin.
Any material that's donated to her, she gives right back to the community. For some, she is charging $5, but this isn't to make a profit. The extra money allows her to buy materials to be able to donate more finished masks.
"It passes the time. Keeps me from going crazy," said Hardin. Hardin is happy to help in the effort against COVID-19, but can't wait to welcome her stylists back to the salon.
To pick up a mask, call (502) 570-0550 or (859) 983-0670.
