How a training network helped one woman’s beauty salon survive

What kind of treatments and services do you provide?

We provide all of your beauty treatments from a more natural, holistic approach with no harsh chemicals, and everything is customised to what the client needs. We offer advanced skincare and peels, LED light treatment, advanced massage techniques to strengthen facial muscles and long-term skin health, natural nail treatments, gel polish – we do amazing pedicures. I personally provide bespoke bridal make-up services. We also do lash lifts and body and facial waxing with an easy booking system and a luxury experience.

What is your most popular treatment?

Nails and skincare would always top our most wanted treatments, but because natural beauty is making a comeback, we have more requests for eye treatments that make your morning prep so much easier. Lash lifts and brow laminations are ranking up the scale.

What has been your career highlight so far?

I’ve been so lucky to have many highlights, awards, recognition and achievements, but one I will never forget was a gentleman who came to us to look after his nails after he had suffered the loss of feeling in his hands after chemo. He came every few weeks, and as I looked after his hands, he told me his fears and worries, his hopes and dreams, spoke about his life story and what he was going through. It was a privileged journey to have him as a client, and I always thought about how lucky I was to be able to provide that for him. I remember the last time he climbed the stairs to come to see us, there was a realisation it would be the last visit, and we had one of the deepest and most profound conversations that changed so much within me.

Has owning a beauty salon always been a dream of yours?

Owning a salon was always something I kept in mind. I had a career in sales and education, which I loved, but it entailed a lot of travel. As my kids came to an age where it was more important to be home rather than away, opening a salon became an obvious choice.

How did you set about making it a reality?

Finding a suitable location, speaking to my accountant, speaking to my family and just going for it. I had enough experience and expertise in the industry to know what I wanted, and it was a matter of just setting the wheels in motion. My husband is one of seven brothers. They literally built, plastered and painted what I needed in just a matter of days. Saying yes to all the help I could get was a great learning for me.

What role has Image Skillnet played in your progression as a beauty therapist?

In 2020, we were expanding and moving into new premises. We had just a shell of a building, and then Covid happened, which meant we hit a wall. I lost my staff, my business and my identity. I lost a lot of my hair from stress, and I was going to cut my losses and close the business, but Image Skillnet came into my emails explaining the supports they were putting in place for us and my exhausted and undermotivated self signed up.

They set the course for us about education and setting ourselves up to be best prepared for reopening. They provided online training, education and support via Zoom with the best of the best in the hair and beauty industry. I did a health and hygiene course, which addressed all worries around things that were a high concern at the time

There was business supports from Liz McKeown with weekly calls to check in. Getting to meet and speak to others in the industry at such a fragile time was invaluable. We had accounting masterclasses that taught us aspects of the background of the business.

I developed my policies and procedures manual from the training we had from the HR suite. We were trained and educated in inclusiveness and diversity in the workplace, sustainable working practices and everything else we could possibly require to be as prepared to reopen stronger.

Every part of our functioning business structure was established. Putting together that network of salon owners that I met during that time period was a huge source of support and help. I have no doubt they saved so many businesses at that time, as we have all sadly seen the haemorrhage of closures since.

Would you recommend Image Skillnet to an aspiring beauty practitioner or business owner?

I would absolutely recommend Image Skillnet for any aspect of your business or training needs. There is always someone who is dedicated to helping you get what you need.

If you have a staff member you need upskilling, trained or educated, Image Skillnet would be my first stop as their quality of suppliers is second to none and with the financial support they have in place—which provides discounted rates—it’s a no brainer from a business owner and employer point of view.

For anyone who wants to progress their own career with tailored supports, I would highly suggest they get in touch with either Caroline or Shannon, as they are both amazing at putting together whatever support that can make that happen.

Find out more about the services offered by Image Skillnet here.