Continuing the Port's Road to Recovery series, this week the Examiner looks at how COVID-19 has impacted the beauty industry in Port Stephens. The Port's Road to Recovery series aims to paint a picture of individual industries and social issues, how they have been impacted and what the future looks like for them - as told by those on the ground.
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Nelson Bay's New Leaf Cosmetic Clinic has reopened its doors after having developed a COVID Safe Plan in line with NSW Health recommendation, and while some of the processes have changed, the customer care, joy and focus on results have remained.
The Donald Street clinic, specialising in beauty therapy treatment and skin care, is the brainchild of Dr Bonnie Hawthorne, a GP at the nearby Nelson Plaza Clinic.
The team also comprises Dr Alex Richardson, a surgical specialist,;beauty therapist and manager Christine Zammit; and Brittany Bartholomew, who has a diploma in beauty therapy and a Cert 3 and 4 in personal training.
Having moved to the Bay as a GP, Dr Hawthorne was motivated to open a cosmetic clinic two years ago after realising the aesthetic concerns of her clients.
"By talking to my patients I was able to understand the deep frustration - and in some cases depression - felt by people who suffered from skin conditions," Dr Hawthorne said.
"There was a real need for medical treatments, including injectables, as well as offering consultations on skin related matters and applying the latest advances in cosmetic medicine in order to achieve natural, non-surgical cosmetic outcomes."
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Dr Hawthorne said that the feedback from clients had been overwhelmingly positive, with many people expressing their relief in not having to travel to the major cities for cosmetic treatments.
She said that some skin conditions could not always be addressed in the doctor's rooms.
"We see people with a wide range of skin conditions including acne scars, sun spots, facial redness, eczema, pigmented lesions, and spider veins [on both face and legs]."
Ms Zammit said that the most enjoyable part of her job was "making people feel happy and good about themselves".
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"Some of the clients we see have been suffering in silence for many years and it's quite rewarding to see the change in people after a visit both physically and mentally."
Ms Bartholomew said her passion was to support people in their physical and mental health and educate them about the changes that could make to improve their lifestyle and their appearance.
The lifting of restrictions early this month which allowed the clinic to reopen its doors after 10 weeks in lockdown has been a massive relief for both the staff and clients of New Leaf.
New protocols at the clinic include physical distancing, maintaining a record of attendance, excluding staff and clients who exhibit even mild symptoms and ensuring that the professional skin care range are only handled by staff.