Clay Riggs owner of Clay’s Cuts, and a barber for 16 years, mows his aunt’s yard as one of several yard work gigs that day as he’s switched his barber business to a lawn mowing service. Gov. Greg Abbott ordered all non-essential business in Texas to close, including barber shops and hair salons. On March 30, the Clay’s Cuts Facebook page announced: “Clay’s Cuts lawn service is go! Covid-19 has closed the shop, but I can clean your yard without getting too close to you. If you need some yard work done, please call 9038059566. Raking, mowing, weed-whacking and more! Liz and I are happy to help! Thanks for your support!”

As several non-essential businesses have closed their doors amid the coronavirus, one Tyler barbershop owner is cutting grass instead of trimming locks of hair to stay active and earn additional income.

Clay Riggs, owner of Clay’s Cuts, along with his fiancée Liz Cace teamed up to create a lawn mowing service.

He’s been in the barber business for 16 years and cutting hair full time for five years.

“It’s a fun job. I love that job,” he said. “I hope to get back to it real soon. It’s a weird time to be alive.”

He shut down the barbershop on March 24 ahead of Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran’s stay-at-home order last Friday, which will remain in effect through April 10. The order allows residents to work or use essential services.

Gov. Greg Abbott also issued an executive order Tuesday to minimize social gatherings and limit in-person contact with people outside of the same household, except essential services like healthcare and groceries.

This order begins at 12:01 a.m. April 2 and will end April 30 unless extended based on the status of COVID-19 in Texas and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations.

While he had some money saved up, he was getting a little stir crazy and wanted to find something to do.

“Instead of watching those savings go down, I’ll go to work,” he said. “I don’t think we’re going to get rich mowing yards.”

The additional income will help pay bills at his shop, while also keeping funds in the savings account, he said.

Riggs said the lawn mowing has been a safe way to earn money. He talks to people on the phone and they give the payment without interacting or getting too close.

His company logo didn’t have to change very much either. He replaced the hair cutting items with lawn care tools.

Riggs posted the new logo and a message about his new project on Facebook Monday. Since then, they’ve received at least half a dozen calls.

“Just like with hair, I want people to be happy with the work,” he said. “We’re edging and trimming your yard like your head.”

Riggs said it feels weird not being able to go out like they normally would.

“It feels like a snow day but it’s a beautiful day outside,” he said.

Those wanting to contact Riggs for yard care, can call him at 903-805-9566.