Business owners see beauty in unshackling

From facials and manicures to taming unruly eyebrows, those who enjoy taking the time to be pampered have flocked to local salons during the past week as their doors reopened. After two months of not being able to operate, beauty services were finally given the green light to resume business in phase three of the McGowan Government’s COVID-19 recovery plan, which came into effect on June 6. Just You Beauty Salon was one of several salons that rejoiced at being able to see clients again, with owner Deborah Napier saying she and her staff were thrilled to be back operating and were working late to get everyone through the door. “It is really, really amazing. I can’t believe it. When he (WA Premier Mark McGowan) made the announcement I just sat down and cried in sheer relief,” she said. “For the next two weeks it is flat-out. I am hoping that it continues. “We have had to increase the staff so I guess going forward we just want to hopefully keep the clientele to warrant the extra staff.” Also glad to reopen was Creative Beauty Karratha owner Chelsey Briggs, who said her bookings had been hectic since the announcement was made. “The response was amazing,” she said. “The first three days I saw 11 clients each day, and normally I might do four a day. I’ve ended up with, I think, 48 new clients in the first two weeks, so that was amazing. It’s fantastic and really, really, good for business. Just so happy to be back up and running again. “There is more of us out there to help each other out now. I like that, and I think it’s built a bigger, better community spirit.”