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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Barley Sugar Day Spa & Beauty owner Vicki Barley may not have a background in the beauty industry, but she does know the value of hard work and the importance of customer service in business.
"I have been in the Bay for more than 18 years, however my background is not in this industry, which I feel is an advantage as it enables me to view our business in a strongly customer-focused way," she said.
"Over the time I've lived in the Bay I've had a great number of various beauty salon experiences - a couple of which I would not like to repeat.
"I felt it was time the Bay had something luscious for the locals; something that was truly beautiful and a reflection of the incredible place in which we live; somewhere you would be greeted with warmth, sit in plump chairs and sip tea or bubbly; be spoiled in spacious treatment rooms with beautiful artwork and decor; relax by the fireplace in winter with a hot chocolate; a place where you are not rushed but valued."
So, after a stellar job from builders Custom Built Projects, Vicki and her daughter Arielle opened Barley Sugar Day Spa & Beauty in December 2018 and since that time the business has gone from strength to strength, winning the Port Stephens Business Award Beauty Therapy category for 2019.
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Vicki said that the COVID-19 lockdown had been a difficult time for small businesses such as her own, many of which are the cornerstones of the community.
"We employ and train locals and we buy products and services from other small businesses."
Barley Sugar closed its doors on March 23 and reopened on June 1 with slightly modified methods of business to accommodate health regulations.
"For example, we now provide extra spacing between appointments to ensure sanitisation and less risk of client cross contact," Vicki said.
"We were able to secure JobKeeper payments for our four therapists, but I found it was not just the financial implications affecting us. Our regular clients are like family and the forced separation was almost like the loss of close friendships.
"It was a common theme when I spoke to our therapists and our clients - a feeling of anxiety with no explanation."
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Vicki said that the arrival of clients since June 1 have been met with celebrations.
"We have been overwhelmed by the support of our clients, with back to back bookings every day and solid bookings into the months ahead. Our lives are so incredibly busy and we take little time out for ourselves - I feel it is important that the time you take is quality time, even if it's for a brow wax."
Barley Sugar is located in the Salamander Bay shopping village at 251 Soldiers Point Road, and is open Monday to Saturday. Book on 0455 220 015 or online.