Q&A Time

If you read my last blog, you’ll remember I mentioned a really engaging and thought-provoking interview I had? 

It covered the key points about my beauty therapy services, my journey, my long, rewarding career and much more!

What better way for my clients old and new to get to know me as I share snippets from the interview. 

So, without further ado, here goes…

So, Paula, in 5 words, what would you say your beauty salon in Inverurie is all about?

Now, there’s a challenge! I’d have to say: confidence, positivity, trust, comfort and expertise. 

Loving that answer!  What were the early stages of your career like?

Well, I was born in Forres and did my diploma in beauty therapy in Aberdeen, following which I learned some skills for 3 years in a little salon in Elgin. At age 21 though, I wanted to go back to Aberdeen see my friends, experience a new challenge and move away from home. 

It was at a salon in Cults where, in 12 months, I gained such a respect and understanding on building rapport with clients. I built on that knowledge at a high-profile salon in the city for 16 years where I was a lead therapist with a team of 4 or 5. I truly loved it. It grew me as a person, the environment gave me the ambition to progress and visualise my future as a young adult. 

Paula, what does beauty therapy mean to you?

It’s all about trust and relationship building; it’s taken me years to build such a fantastic clientele having been in the industry for 30 years. Thankfully, I still have some amazing clients from the first salon I worked at in the 90’s which just reinforces the importance of growing and nurturing relationships with people.

Is making sure you have a great relationship with your client key?

Massively. So important. Even at the beginning, when I didn’t have the experience I have now, I realised it was about rapport, it was about trust, and relationship building. The beauty industry is huge and has it flaws but, for me, it is about helping, recommending and supporting people to provide a tailored solution for them. 

Personal service and positivity seem to be super important, is that right?

It is so important to believe in yourself, as I became empowered with trust in the feeling that I was in right career. All of this matters as we all go through personal elements in life. For me it was things like pregnancy, family commitments and quite severe illness. I got to a crossroads: with my youngest daughter, my commitments were changing, and I needed to balance family and work life. 

There was, though, always a niggling about what if…what if I go out on my own. So, I built up the courage and left the comfort of a great, secure environment but I realised I needed to spend more time at home. So, in November 2010, with a big leap of faith, I started doing work as a mobile therapist. I’ll always remember that because that was the year we had really bad snow and I couldn’t get to my clients in my wee blue ford fiesta with my foldaway couch! With some trust and belief however, along with an amazing client base, I then proceeded to manage my business family commitments well.

They say getting a pampering can do the world of good – do you love what you do?

I really do. In Spring 2012, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. For 12 months – everything was on hold... At the insistence of my loving husband, I knew I wasn’t feeling well enough to deliver the type of service my clients deserve…I had to put that energy in myself and my recovery. 2 years of treatment later though, I was so lucky to get back at it; I still knew and believed in myself, and my clients stayed with me upon my return as they said they trust and value what I offer. My clients are the reason I am confident and believe in this (a lot of them encouraged me to come back).

My journey in life and business has made me stronger; when I felt like I couldn’t get out of the mud (in illness, time off for family etc) having trust in my clients and my work was crucial. I cherish and value how they’ve always supported me through these things – I feel empowered they believe in me, so I always ensure I go the extra mile and do that wee bit more that clients don’t expect. I always make sure I add a wee touch. 

Amazing. What should people expect when they visit your treatment room and salon? 

After trying out a few places, in October 2017, I moved into 39a west high street and everything is amazing: it’s all settled, has a great location and in a fantastic area for wellbeing and beauty. It fits my own ethos and of the service I try to offer.

Through word of mouth, it helps being able to provide a personal 1-to-1 service almost like a trusted friend with my reputation staked on solidifying the trust others have shown by referring. For me, I reach out, I keep in touch and I value building relationships with people and clients. I do love a wee voice note as it allows me to reach and check-in and vice versa in a friendly, professional but also warm manner. I appreciate having clients come from all over and of all ages, from 14 years old to 80: I enjoy the diversity of it. 

Also, I’ve never felt so strongly since this pandemic to support town businesses. It has sharpened how valuable the local shops and independent nature is so pivotal. Community spirit is prevalent, and we must continue to hold each other up as pillars of our town. 

If you have any questions of your own, leave a comment or pop me a message via the contact page.

You can also check out my gallery here.