J.S. Ryan and Co. / J.S. Ryan and Co. Facebook
This pandemic has seen all sorts of things happen. Everyone around the world has been impacted in one way or another.
Here in London, Ontario, many businesses are suffering the same fate of having to shut their doors and say goodbye.
Surprisingly though, a local man from Woodstock had a different plan in mind.
Ryan Ford grew up in Woodstock, knew London well. After spending some years in Toronto and having a conversation with some friends from London, decided last summer to move to London and open a barbershop.
But there was a catch.
That catch being the world going into lockdown due to COVID-19.
“I signed a lease in March of this year and then two weeks later they told us the world was closing.”
J.S. Ryan and Co. / J.S. Ryan and Co. Facebook
Despite having to be quarantined and on lockdown, that didn’t stop Ryan from planning out his business.
“I took the opportunity during lockdown to do all the renovations I wanted and build the branding and do all that good stuff. And then, you know, we actually opened about two or three weeks after phase two began.”
Ryan’s barbershop is called J.S. Ryan and Co. and is located in Old South London. Every stylist has been trained in the same way to ensure a consistent service every time for every customer.
“The shop itself is not your typical barbershop, it is the hybrid of a barbershop and a salon. All of us are trained in both hairstyling, as well as traditional barbering.”
From the beginning, Ryan followed all of the rules and regulations set. The precautions he’s instilled include masks being worn by everyone, customers and staff included. Appointment times were extended from 45 minutes to an hour to ensure proper cleaning and sanitizing of the work equipment and stations. There is no waiting area inside of the shop, but there is a bench right outside to keep with social distancing.
J.S. Ryan and Co. / J.S. Ryan and Co. Facebook
The priority is to keep everyone safe but to enjoy their visit. The precautions Ryan has taken have worked out well so far and look to sustain that even with the second wave encompassing London.
The barbershop prides itself on being open and inclusive to anyone. Ryan is a big supporter of the LGBTQ+ community and wants to ensure that anyone that wants to get a haircut can get one.
“My goal is to make everyone feel welcome, provide an all-inclusive space for everyone who enjoys short hair.”
The support Ryan has received from the community has been more than welcoming. The London community is always supportive of local businesses, and now more than ever, it is important to show support and shop local.
Ryan Ford didn’t let anything, not even the pandemic, stop him from opening up his business, proving that it is possible to achieve your dreams even when the odds are unlikely.
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