The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges for small businesses across the globe, and barbershops were among the first to feel the impact of mandated shutdowns. In Cleveland, Ohio, Black Cat Barbershop and its owner, Ryan Hardwick, faced this uncertainty head-on. This article revisits Hardwick’s experiences, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of Black Cat Barbershop as it navigated the pandemic’s waves and emerged stronger on the other side.
From Clippers Down to Picking Up the Pieces
For Ryan Hardwick, like many barbers, the initial shutdown in 2020 brought a sudden halt to his livelihood. As he shared in an interview during those uncertain times, the closure of Black Cat Barbershop meant an immediate stop to his income stream, causing significant stress. However, looking back, Hardwick also acknowledges a silver lining in the unexpected downtime. The forced break offered a moment of respite, a pause in the daily grind of running a busy barbershop. Yet, this initial novelty soon wore off, replaced by a longing for the familiar rhythm of the shop and the camaraderie with his team – “the crew.”
The reopening of Black Cat Barbershop was not simply a matter of unlocking the doors. Returning to work meant readjusting to the physical demands of barbering after a period of inactivity. Hardwick describes it as “relearning the whole process,” like getting back on a bike after years away. The muscle memory was there, honed by eight years of experience, but the daily stamina needed to be rebuilt. Moreover, the reopening came with a new set of protocols. Enhanced cleaning procedures and a heightened awareness of hygiene became paramount. In the early days, with limited information about surface transmission, Black Cat Barbershop prioritized creating a safe environment for both barbers and clients, leading to longer working days, sometimes stretching to ten hours, to accommodate the new cleaning regimes.
Financial Fortitude and Community Support
The financial strain of the shutdown was a major concern for Black Cat Barbershop. Hardwick openly admits to utilizing government assistance programs – grants and loans – to help weather the economic storm. These resources proved vital in keeping the business afloat during the months of closure and the initial slow reopening phase. Interestingly, recent times have shown a positive shift in the barbershop’s financial health. Hardwick notes a significant upturn in business, particularly in the past month, signaling a strong recovery. This resurgence is attributed to increased public confidence, with people feeling more comfortable traveling and engaging with services again, likely boosted by vaccination efforts and a general easing of pandemic anxieties. This financial rebound underscores not just the effectiveness of support measures but also the enduring demand for barbershop services and the loyalty of Black Cat Barbershop’s clientele.
The Stage Beckons: Music as Resilience
Beyond barbering, music is another crucial part of Ryan Hardwick’s life. As the frontman of a hardcore punk band, the inability to perform live during the pandemic was another significant loss. Hardwick expresses a deep yearning to return to the stage, to experience the energy exchange between band and audience that is characteristic of hardcore punk shows. However, he also acknowledges a degree of caution, particularly regarding close-contact interactions in the mosh pit. Despite the performance hiatus, music served as a vital anchor for Hardwick throughout 2020. His band became a “COVID bubble,” providing a crucial outlet for creativity and connection during isolation. Weekly practices in a spacious basement allowed for social distancing while fostering musical output. This period of confinement ironically became a fertile time for songwriting, producing a wealth of new material. The prospect of performing these new songs live acts as a powerful motivator, a “light at the end of the tunnel,” symbolizing hope and the eventual return to normalcy. For Ryan Hardwick and Black Cat Barbershop, the story is one of navigating challenges with resilience, embracing community support, and finding strength in both craft and passion.
