Let’s Celebrate Local!

By Pavlina Ofori-Mensah, professional nail technician based in Swindon who operates from a local hair salon on Saturdays and also offers a mobile evening service in the town by appointment.

How are you feeling about your business?  

I feel excited. As well as giving birth during lockdown I also had a lot of time to think about my business and where I want it to be next year. 

Having two small children I was only able to offer my mobile services in the evenings meaning there was a limit to how many clients I can see each day and not much room for growth. 

Lockdown was the perfect opportunity to consider my options. I started searching for local hair salons where I could rent a chair over the weekend. It was a challenge at first because due to social distancing salon owners were apprehensive to have additional people in the salon at one time. However I was lucky to find the most beautiful salon Perfection Hair Salon on Purton Roud, SN2 2LN, where I now rent a chair on Saturdays.  This is a big milestone for me personally and my business. 

How are you feeling about business in general? 

I am excited about the future but I fear a second lockdown. I worry that with all the new regulations and PPE in place, having your nails done will become more of a clinical experience as opposed to the relaxed pampering  experience clients used to enjoy. 

What has changed for you positively as a result of lockdown? 

Since the lockdown eased I have had more than usual bookings from ladies who are either celebrating their birthdays at home or just craving the pamper experience.  

As a thank you for inviting and trusting me to do their manicures and pedicures I gifted them with personalised goody bags full of offers from local, independent beauty and health businesses.  

Can you name a local business which you support around food & drink? 

My husband’s birthday is coming up and I would usually and go to the nearest supermarket and get a same old cake I did last year. He is gluten intolerant which makes my choices very limited. 

I came across a local lady who runs Frost & Crumb bakery and also lives just down the road from me. This year we will be enjoying the most delicious home-made gluten free cupcakes whilst supporting another local business.

https://www.frostandcrumb.co.uk

Can you name one person in your life who has really helped you during this time? 

This is without thinking my husband. Without him and his support I wouldn't be albe to do what I do. We don’t have any family here to help out so he is the one I can leave our two girls with to go to work. My business is a team effort. 

What are your business plans for Q4? 

Building a loyal client base via the salon - that's where my focus will be as well as supporting my loyal mobile clients. 

For more information visit her Facebook page: Nail’d it (@pavnaildit)