Washington Business Summer 2019 | Washington Business | Page 24

what’s working But the hair stylists recognized the bills were targeting their way of life. Many cosmetologists and hair stylists rent booth space from salons, and work as independent contractors. This allows them to set their own schedules, manage their own client list and control their own small business. Many said flexible schedules are necessary to care for children and families. It’s a good setup for many salon owners, too. The small business owners can collect rents from the contractors, which helps pay the lease or mortgage. “These bills would hurt families,” said Randy Morlan, founder of Euphorium salon in Olympia, in an interview with AWB Amplified. “In my 44 years of experience, I’ve seen it time and time again: When the flexibility for hours exists, people can flourish, because they don’t pay for childcare.” organized response “I wanted every single mother, every small business owner in other industries, to have the opportunity to work for themselves. And those bills would basically get rid of that.” “We were really pushing for people to get in contact with their district legislators,” Harrison said. “We were really pushing... get an appointment with them; if they won’t make time for you, get a phone appointment; to... be respectful and courteous, but to be persistent; to advocate for themselves, and not to look to other people to do the work for them; they had to pitch in.” Sen. Keiser, who chairs the Labor and Commerce Committee, issued a statement after the January hearing on Senate Bill 5326. “I’ve heard from dozens of cosmetologists who were fearful that my intent was to take away their livelihood,” Keiser said. “Let me say in the strongest possible terms that is not my intent, and I promise you it will not be the outcome of this effort.” Keiser offered amendments to the bill. But it ultimately never moved out of committee. AWB’s Battles and salon owners Jenny Treutle and Heather Kerekffy of Moses Lake were among the first to testify against Senate Bill 5326 in January. That first hearing turned out to — D’Arcy Harrison, owner of D’Arcy Hair Design in Seattle. don’t let up be a warmup for the hair stylists. Prior to this year’s legislative A blur of testifying, meetings with legislators, phone calls and an intensive social media campaign soon session, Harrison and many of her colleagues were unfamiliar with followed. People would ask their lawmakers about a bill – and post the legislative process in Olympia and with AWB. their response on Facebook for everyone to see. Salon owner D’Arcy Since then, several salons have joined AWB, and there’s discussion Harrison of Seattle produced short messaging videos, talking points, among salon owners about forming a statewide association. scripts, bill analysis and a few Facebook live streams. People used AWB’s Battles said it’s critical for Washington employers to get to know their lawmakers during the interim, and to develop a good Twitter to contact their legislators. “I don’t want to look back and regret that I didn’t do everything relationship with them because these and other issues will likely come I could to not only save my business ... but my booth renters’ ability up again. to booth rent,” said D’Arcy Harrison, owner of D’Arcy Hair Design in Harrison knows the fight’s not over, and that legislators will continue Seattle. “I wanted every single mother, every small business owner in to push for changes in the rules regarding independent contractors. other industries, to have the opportunity to work for themselves. And “What keeps me motivated is knowing that what we’re doing is making an impact,” Harrison said. “It is up to us as a collective to those bills would basically get rid of that.” Many salon owners are experts at social media communication, keep the pressure on and to educate our state lawmakers what it because that’s how they connect to their customers. It’s also a great truly means to be a microbusiness entrepreneur in Washington state. way to share photos and videos of happy clients, new styles and other Their work could truthfully make or break the local economy and communities -- big and small, East or West.” business changes in what’s clearly a very personal business. Plus, it’s a creative profession, and many have backgrounds in For more information about labor and independent contracting theater, music and the arts. In other words, the Legislature took on issues, contact Battles at [email protected] or 360.943.1600. an army of 7,000 media experts. Harrison, for example, is active in Seattle’s theater community and has a background in community organizing as an undergrad. 24 association of washington business