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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Providing clients with the best possible experience in every treatment is the simple, but successful, philosophy of Bay Beauty owner Kellie Pinochet.
"I see my role as a therapist is to support and work with my clients to achieve healthy skin and ultimate confidence," said Kellie, a 38-year-old mother who moved to Port Stephens five years ago after having worked in the mining industry operating machinery.
"I became a beauty and massage therapist whilst living in Perth in 2006, but I grew up in North Queensland with my older brother and sister where mining was a huge part of our lives."
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The transformation from mining to beauty began for Kellie in the back of a hairdressing salon soon after arriving in Nelson Bay.
"During this time I worked at Terry White Chemmart while I built the business before moving it home to be in a quieter environment. Slowly as my business grew my hours at the chemist reduced [to one day a month]."
In 2017 Kellie decided to take her business to the next level and with a new name [Bay Beauty] opened the doors in a commercial premises in the heart of Nelson Bay.
"The salon has the best of both worlds," she said. "It's roomy, airy and light in one section creating a casual environment while the treatment room is dim and luxurious with a calming energy. It's a sanctuary hidden from the chaos of reality."
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Kellie's passion is skin health and some of her popular treatments include microdermabrasion peels and sonophoresis.
Also available are shellac/builder gel manicures and pedicures, waxing, tinting, henna brows, massage, cupping, lash lifting and nurturing.
"You will never be treated as a number in my salon.
"Having gained my experience as a therapist, I can practice in a way that allows me to enjoy my clients and spend time with them.
"I also get to choose the products I work with and enjoy researching new products to introduce to my clients."
There are two helpers who work with Kellie in providing the professional service Bay Beauty is renowned for. "I hope to build on this team in the near future."
Kellie says she's grateful for the support of family and friends following the forced closure of the salon in March due to COVID-19.
"I tried my best to remain positive during this time with a focus on spending quality time with my son and building an online shop with my web designer," she said.
"The salon reopened on June 2 and I have hit the ground running. It was so nice to be welcomed by my clients who have supported me over the past three years."