Washington Business Summer 2019 | Washington Business | Page 22

what’s working Salon Owners Show the Way Thousands of Washington salon owners, cosmetologists and hair stylists worked together to defeat several independent contracting bills that would have upended their industry this year. Andrew Lenderman When state lawmakers proposed sweeping changes to the hair salon and cosmetology industry, small business owners and entrepreneurs moved quickly to get involved in the legislative process. Their persistence, organization and media savvy demonstrated the power of grassroots organizing and set an example for other businesses to follow. At A Glance Thousands of salon owners, hair stylists and cosmetologists are now focused on the Legislature’s work around independent contracting laws and regulations. Many of these people were new to the political process, and their energy and enthusiasm made headlines statewide during the 2019 legislative session. Although several bills died this year, the community is focused on interim legislation that could impact their industry in 2020. A dozen hairstylists and salon owners gathered outside the state capitol on a bright, crisp February day. They came to Olympia to engage with lawmakers who were proposing big changes in the state’s rules regarding independent contractors — changes that would dramatically change the way they could run their businesses. Suddenly, state Sen. Karen Keiser, the prime sponsor of legislation targeting their industry, walked by the group. Conversation stopped. The salon owners hesitated. Then they walked forward, and had a friendly, face-to-face conversation with one of the more influential lawmakers in Washington. Just like that, these entrepreneurs cemented their place in the state capitol. “If you’re here, you can make a difference,” AWB’s Bob Battles said later. “This is what happens when you get engaged.” 22 association of washington business