Tattoo studios across the state of Colorado were ordered by the state health department to cease operations on March 19th, 2020 due to the Covid-19 outbreak. The state set a return to work date in that same email of May 1st, 2020. Reputable studios statewide complied and closed their doors. This is not a petition to open early. This is not a petition to bash a politician, governor or mayor. This is a petition to re-open tattoo studios as stated on May 1st, 2020. Sound silly? Asking that a governing body do what they said they would do? If you've not been under a rock for this "lock-down", and all of the crazy guess-work that's generated countless "guidelines" it's likely that you understand why we are asking this. Artists state-wide have found their breaking point, and whether or not some government classification agrees, to the families of these artists, their craft is essential. We will update the petition with more supporting evidence, but please consider the following:  - Unlike a large majority of "essential workers" Tattoo Artists are state certified to deal with contagion, contaminates, blood and airborne pathogens. We do this every single day.  - Reputable studios are building "new normal" safety standards for their staff and clients based upon their already above and beyond cleanliness standards.  - Artists across the nation are coming together to create a US standard for the craft and to remove state dependencies around regulation enforcement with groups such as Icons Of Ink.

Licensed Nail Technicians are independent; self employed as well as small businesses owners going unrecognized by the state and city officials. Some of us also are medically certified and our clients going without care are risking at home injuries and cross contamination.

Personal hygiene and grooming are critical to all essential workers at this time. Hospital staff, grocery store workers, restuarant employees, hardware stores, military personnel, and so many more are in desperate need to maintain appearance and hygiene during this crisis. The survival of these independent professionals (cosmetologist/barbers) is at risk. We are facing grave financial hardship, and are ready to be made available to service essential personnel safely.

Health and hygiene is important the general public. We have clients who aren’t able to wash their hair for various reasons. The long term effects of bad hygiene can become worse issues. Also mental health is important. So many people see their stylist to not just look good but feel good about themselves inside and out especially during hard times in a persons life. Our industry is facing a massive financial crisis that will be devastating to many men, women and families if we don’t do something about it now. Our industry is more than beauty. We are professionals, counselors, confidants, educators, friends and family. WE ARE ESSENTIAL!

Because we do not want to force this. It could have detrimental effects on our families and Communities .

The survival of the independent beauty professionals is at risk. We are facing a grave financial hardship.

For the health and well being of people gyms need to reopen. Being able to workout allows people to reduce stress, stay healthy both mentally and physically. Please tell Governor Tony Evers to allow us to go back to the gym.

The survival of the independent beauty professionals is at risk. We are facing a grave financial hardship and financial help from the government is severely delayed.

Independent Beauty Professionals rely on the income from clients. We cannot perform a haircut online. While the “beauty industry is deemed “Non essential”, the ability to practice our craft is very ESSENTIAL to our livelihood. We are facing a grave financial hardship

The beauty profession is highly at risk of financial ruin. Most salons function with very little cash flow and cannot withstand continued mandated closures for much longer.

Why is this important? The survival of the independent beauty professionals is at risk. Most beauty professionals are sole proprietors and not allowed to file for Wisconsin unemployment until April 21. Not to mention most of the banks that are filing SBA loans are still waiting for guidance from the Federal Government, so we are placed at the bottom of the list when it comes to even APPLYING for these loans.

The survival of the Independent Beauty Professional is at risk. we are facing a grave financial hardship.