Have you or anyone close to you been impacted by the series of layoffs? Do you have any career/financial strategies just in case that would happen?
Tina Ngo and Vivian Nguyen | Salon Owners
Tina Ngo: “Beauty Lounge used to have over 25 employees, but unfortunately lost half of our staff due to the pandemic. We were no longer able to safely do multiple same-time services, but it gave us the opportunity to focus on giving quality experiences to customers, versus rushing through a service. It was a big learning curve for both the staff and clients, because everyone was so used to being in and out of the store, but now, the dynamic has shifted. Find and remember what you love about the business, and work through the challenges, you will see your business thrive in the long run by putting 100% into it.”
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Karen Arrington | Award-winning Author | Founder, Miss Black USA Pageant | Winner, NAACP Image Award | Goodwill Ambassador to Sierra Leone | Travel Expert (Traveled to 109 countries)
I was a professional job hopper, by default. Every single time I found a job I loved, a pink slip was not far behind. Losing my last job was the best thing that could have ever happened. In my book, Your Next Level Life, I share the 7 rules of success that can take you from private pity party to singing hallelujah! During the global pandemic, I predicted there would be a lot of testimonials when this thing was over. I know several individuals who went from laid off-to-laid back in their new home corner office making millions. I am a firm believer that pain can lead to purpose. Sometimes we just need a reason to pursue the dream that was planted in our hearts. As a 13x small biz grant winner, I know first-hand there is no better time than now to create wealth; to design the life of your dreams. There is money, grants, and scholarships for whatever you want to goal you want to achieve. It's yours for the taking. I share in my book where to find it and how you can finally live the life of your dreams. And never look back.
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Miss Malik | Rebecca Malik - Creative (Actress, Model & Musical Artist)
I was laid off from my 9-5’s twice, consecutively following COVID. I honestly depleted everything & started to Uber. There are savings methods I utilize now that I utilized before my layoff as well- but I still ended up depleting my accounts 2020-2021. Beauty of money is that it flows & goes, and you eventually can come up from rock bottom
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Olasunkanmi Ogunade | Visual Artist/ Actor and Media producer
A lot of my friends and few family members have been affected and it’s sad because, they apparently have nothing to fall back on. Some are depressed while others are completely unhappy. One of the major factors I speak about to friends and family is that it is very mandatory to have a skill. Skill acquisition helps when corporate industry fails. You could be a fashion designer, a guitarist,a barber, a make up artist, photographer and the list goes on. We should always have something as a back up plan.
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Ashley Aleman | Business Women
Yes I have personally ! At some point I didn’t get any sales nor was i consistently posting on my business page ! What I recommend is be consistent and have a great marketing strategy! You can hire someone who is specialized in marketing that can help you with that ! They are everywhere .Always save your money from your business ! It will save you allot , and keep investing back into your business !
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Shaniece Benson | Online Fitness and Lifestyle Coaching
Yes, I was laid off from my corporate job May of 2021 due to downsizing. I worked with them for 6 years. Although I absolutely love working in higher education, I knew it was important to have another income on the side. It so happen to be my all time passion, fitness and lifestyle coaching, serving busy professional get physically and mentally fit to live a healthy lifestyle! When I was let go I didn’t feel so discouraged like my other colleagues because I had a second income.
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Nikki Castriota | Mobile Beauty Team - Hair, Makeup, Spray Tan, Nails
I started my beauty business back in 2016 after I graduated with a Master's in Special Education, ironically. I loved working with autistic children but my passion and entrepreneur mind was hungry for a beauty business instead. It boomed in the following year and it was growing day by day. I was targeting weddings in the beauty industry and growing my team in several cities and locations. Once COVID hit, I had to figure out a way to generate income due to the cease of professional services. I took courses for other types of beauty that is an everyday service instead of weddings. Not only that, I had to relocate to South Florida, like many others and I ended up making more money in my first year than what I did in my high season back in NY. Also partnered with many high-end companies, hotels and even networks like peacock and bravotv. I had to change and relocate, taking a risk and revamping my brand, starting from zero, but it was a blessing for me to relocate and grow day by day in ways I have never imagined.
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Samira Armstrong | Licensed Esthetician and Makeup Artist
I’ve actually been laid off by my previous job as a waxer. The reasoning was unreasonable and should’ve been further investigated. I wasn’t expecting to take such a lost…especially right before the holidays! I’ve been without a job for the past three weeks…which means, no consistent income or reaching clients. There are more opportunities out there for me to work, however I’ve been pushing my brand to the next level. Not only am I continuing my studies as an Esthetician and Serial Entrepreneur, I’ve been taking my content creation more seriously. One of my videos went viral in November for “Different Types of Brazilian Clients…”! Which is an hyperbole of all the clients I’ve encountered as an esthetician and even my own person experience! I’ve gained tons of new supports and #NuNerds for my consistency and character. It’s hard because even as a nano-influencer, I do not get recognized by a lot of brands…that will change because I choose not to give up. I plan to continue with content creating, earning monetization and bonuses and building a community based around my skills and personality. My plan is to walk by faith and keep moving forward!
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Yalamba Kamara | Beaute Mogul
I have experienced, as well as know others who have been impacted by layoffs. I have understood that knowing your targeted audience is truly important to knowing how to best satisfy your customers. Selling products/information that are essential to living is one strategy that I’ve learned that could assist with inflation.
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Candyss Weaver | Career Strategist & Career Community Curator
Not this time around. As far as career advice that I share with my community members just in case they're affected by layoffs, I focus on what I call the "Big 3". #1 - Recognize that you are more than your job. Even bigger than the financial impact of a layoff, I often see people go through a full-blown identity crisis. Know that you are amazing and have a unique set of skills that, when presented appropriately, positions you to take your talents elsewhere. #2 - Lean into your network and don't be afraid to ask for help. Referrals still reign supreme when it comes to the current job search. Plus, many people actually want to help! #3 - Refresh your brand assets (resume, LinkedIn, portfolio, etc.) every 6 months. As the saying goes, "If you stay ready, you won't have to get ready!" This way if you're impacted by a layoff, you'll be able to begin your job search relatively quickly.
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Naija Wade | Tennessee hairstylist and small content creator
Yes I have many family members that runs along with the entrepreneur industry. Most of them took a big hit when COVID-19 started. Sometimes we just have to turn all of the negativity into positivity.Hope for the best outcome. Some strategies I would say that could be helpful when going through a downfall. Would be always staying focus, making time for yourself , and try thinking ahead of things. Sometimes we just need a minor setback for a major comeback.
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