Beauty therapist Rachael Lomas says she can’t wait to get back to work after the NSW Government announced yesterday the industry can return to business on 1 June.
“I miss my clients most of all, but I am very keen to get back to routine again, I absolutely love my job it’s my passion so being able to start again makes me so excited,” she said.
Ms Lomas, who owns Pocket of Beauty in Charlestown, said the past 10 weeks have been challenging financially.
“The first five weeks were a struggle, I cancelled most of my business expenses so I could afford my personal expenses like my mortgage and car loan,” she said.
“After waiting for sole traders to be included I have fortunately received job keeper, which will help the transition of going back to work as I will then restart all of my business expenses to get back up and running.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said beauty, nail, waxing and tanning salons were all free to operate, as long as they have a COVID safe plan.
“Of all of the requests I’ve had as Health Minister over the past three months, this is the one that’s topped the barrel,” he said.
“I’ve had text messages while I’m in other meetings, telling me how bad their acrylic nails are, I didn’t even know there was such a thing as acrylic nails but now I know that.”
Ms Lomas said she’s put a lot of thought into how her business can adopt the stringent guidelines.
“There will only be one client in the room at any time and the highest hygiene standards will be applied,” she said.
“I have gloves and a mask, and hand sanitiser for all clients as well as myself, while the shared reception area has chairs spaced at a safe distance and I’ve removed the magazine rack.”
After being inundated with bookings overnight, Ms Lomas is hopeful for a strong return to work.
“Only time will tell if COVID-19 has impacted my bookings long term, however the response I have received from clients looks promising for the future,” she said.
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