Love Local with The List: The Beauty Rooms

 

In the run up to Small Business Saturday, we are supporting local small businesses by sharing their stories with you.

Local entrepreneur Ella Buddle is a well known face on the beauty scene here in Guernsey, having worked her way up in the industry at prominent local spas before motherhood prompted her to rethink her day-to-day. She took a leap of faith and opened up her own salon, The Beauty Rooms.

Has it been easy? Not always - who knew Covid was on the horizon! But was it the right move? Absolutely!  

Over to you Ella...

 

 

"Every phone call from worried clients, every hand-hold and cuddle with your staff, comforting them that we would be ok, when really you had no idea. It was a very disconcerting feeling."

 

1.  How It All Began

The Beauty Rooms started back in 2015 after I had my little boy. He was ready to start nursery and I needed to try and find a position that fitted around his childcare. My initial thought when I converted my front room into a treatment room was that I would do a couple of days a week - little did I know that it would sky rocket to quickly into what it has today!

Beauty has always been a huge passion of mine. But it’s all the aspects that encapsulate the job that really make it so special. Getting up and spending my days working with the most incredible team of girls, treating clients, many of whom are now my closest friends. Performing the treatments is just an added bonus for me.

 

2.  The Highlights 

Walking into work in the morning, chatting with the girls and laughing until our bellies ache... you can't beat that feeling! The whole concept when I opened the salon was to have a real social hub. A place where you could come and have treatments and chat and meet people at the same time. I love just looking around the salon and seeing everyone, both therapists and clients all interacting with one another. It’s a really special feeling.

Looking back I don’t think I can pinpoint a specific time that’s been the best. It has been such a natural progression to where we are now. From my front room, to one of the most prominent premises on the High Street and hiring staff was such a big jump, but thankfully with a bit of luck, a lot of love and the hiring of the most amazing girls, I think we’ve got it just right.

 

3.  Challenges Along The Way

I think the days leading up the 23rd March 2020. It was almost like watching your whole life dissipate through your fingers in real time. Every phone call off worried clients, every hand hold and cuddle with your staff, comforting them that we would be ok, when really you had no idea. It was a very disconcerting feeling. Working in such close proximity with the public, it was our duty to provide safety in a very unsafe situation.

But I think, looking back, Covid has taught me more about life than I think I ever knew possible. How much we long to have our hand held for an hour when doing treatments, those cuddles and chats sans masks. Everything I do now is appreciated so much more.

 

4.  Celebrating Local Life

One of the best things about Guernsey is that the summers are so full of life. Jumping on the ferry to Herm, just chucking some things in the back of the car and heading down the beach for the day. Seafront Sundays. Just everything about this Little Rock comes alive. I am also a home bird, so crisp winter days and coming home to a roaring fire are up there too.

My favourite local good cause is Guernsey Mind. This charity does such an amazing job to support and guide when life gets too much. I’m the first to admit that I have struggled with anxiety and the first port of call is always talking to someone - just knowing that we have this amazing charity available to help - is brilliant.

 

5.  The List Loves...

We love a manicure, but life is busy and we sometimes let it slip. That's where The Beauty Room's Last Minute service steps in and makes it easy to brighten up your look and your mood. You can fit in a hit of glamour around your schedule, rather than planning your day around a half hour appointment.

We're also delighted to partner with The Beauty Rooms to offer our subscribers an exclusive special offer on Laser Hair Removal Packages, and although we're all covered up at this time of year, winter is the perfect time to start the process. The sessions are quick and non-invasive, and with the salon's convenient location in town it really couldn't be easier to plan ahead with this self care treatment.

Find out more about this special List-exclusive offer here.

 

6.  Make Time For Self Care

With our busy modern lifestyles, we sometimes need a reminder to make time for some self care... and the team at The Beauty Rooms is on hand to help! Ella and her team offer quality beauty treatments at affordable prices in their freindly and convenient salon in town.

Whether you're tempted by one of their signature manicures, a luxury cosy toes pedicure or a massage in their 'secret garden', why not Get in touch and book yourself a self care treat.

 

Sending congratulations to Ella and her family on the arrival of their second little boy in October!