Tell me about your business:

I worked with Betty Olsen and purchased the business from her about 14 years ago. During that time, I have had three apprentice hairdressers come through the salon. I have Britty Kelly working in the salon four days a week, while I am currently working two days. We are a full service hair salon and also stock a range of hair care products for sale.

How has your business been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic?

Initially it was very stressful because the government restrictions in regards to hairdressing were changing so frequently, almost daily. So for a while we didn’t really know what we could or couldn’t do. We ended up closing the salon for about two weeks during this period, but are now open six days a week.

What current measures do you have in place to adhere to social distancing and hygiene requirements?

Hygiene in the salon was already good, but Britty and I have chosen to work on separate daysinordertolimitthe numberofpeopleinthe salon at any one time. Generally, we don’t have more than two clients at a time and we will keep this in place until we feel comfortable returning to normal trade.

Have clients adapted well to the changes?

Yes! Most of our clients have been coming to the salon for a long time and have been supportive of the changes. And although we are now generally booked a week in advance, most people have been understanding.

How have you and Britty coped not working alongside each other?

We miss each other and bouncing ideas off one other. There are a lot of text messages though! Britty has really stepped up while I haven’t been in the salon and I’m really proud and grateful for the initiative she has taken in my absence. She has been doing a great job with before and after photos on social media...often I have to message her to ask who they are!

What hair styles/ colours have been popular in recent months?

People haven’t been at the salon for a long time, so there have been a lot of makeovers and big chops, which is lots of fun. Blonde and balayage have also been popular, and there have been a few fashion colours - pink, purples and blues - featured recently. As a hairdresser, how does it make you feel to see a client transform in front of your eyes? A fresh look is a lot of fun, as the clients are always so excited when they leave. It also gives them a real confidence boost, which is great to see.

Your business is currently for sale - what would attract a potential buyer?

Klipperz has a long history and a solid reputation in the Coonabarabran community. It’s in a great location and has been recently renovated. The business itself has held up so well during COVID-19, which is a big positive for a buyer. It is constantly busy in the salon and would make a great investment.

How can local people help local businesses, now and into the future?

I think locals supporting locals and businesses supporting businesses is always a positive step. I also think that during COVID-19, people haven’t wanted to travel as much, so they are looking a bit deeper into their own backyard and have been surprised at what we have here.