Countdown on for reopening of Thurso beauty business
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A young Thurso businesswoman is readying herself for the easing of lockdown restrictions with the reopening of her upmarket health and beauty salon.
Terren Rennie (29) won a prestigious award last year from Novalash which sits in pride of place at the Olrig Street premises – The Skin and Beauty Studio – that officially opened 18-months ago.
"We opened in June 2019 but, of course, lockdown came along and we had to close up," said Terren.
Over the year of lockdown restrictions, however, the health and beauty specialist has kept herself busy and taken in new skincare ranges along with some high-tech gadgets that could be props from a sci-fi movie set – with no expense spared.
"So we have a new 3D-HydrO2 Facial machine that utilises seven technologies and can target all different skin types. It's basically an all-rounder that can give a deep-clean, exfoliate, lifts and tightens the skin and allows oxygen to come to the surface of it too."
Another new gadget in the room is for doing more "relaxing facials", says Terren. Having some downtime over the last year has allowed her to not only purchase the specialist devices but also extend her skill sets and product ranges.
Graduating from North Highland college in 2010, Terren worked stints at Ackergill Tower and two Thurso-based salons before venturing into opening her own business in 2019. During the 10 years working in the industry, she established a large and loyal client base in Caithness and the surrounding areas.
She says the salon is going from strength to strength and feels that is partly due to her work ethic of "putting every client at the forefront" of everything she does.
“I enjoy all aspects of beauty therapy, I thoroughly enjoy nail treatments and the variety that can bring to my day.
"NovaLash extensions are fast becoming one of our most requested treatments in the salon, I find the before and after transformations super-rewarding. Recently, completing an in-depth skincare course has brought a passion for facial treatments too."
A new medical-grade skincare range called Environ, created by a plastic surgeon, is part of a new product line that is available through the shop and is only sold after a consultation with the therapist.
"We believe in great treatments but also amazing customer care. We understand that beauty therapy as a whole is a luxury, but to some a luxury they can’t live without. We want to make every client feel amazing while they’re in the salon with us but also leave with a smile too – feeling glam, relaxed and refreshed.”
Though the salon isn't open to the public until April 26, when Covid restrictions are relaxed, Terren is busy cleaning the premises and taking bookings in advance. She is also looking to take on two new staff to train up.
"Ideally, I'm going to do Zoom interviews at the end of April for them to start in early May. I'll give them some trial days to begin with to see how things go."
Apart from makeup for weddings and other special events, Terren stressed that men can also book in for treatments.
"I think people are now making more of an effort to look after their skin and use products that are better for it. There have been quite a few issues with protective masks causing skin problems. It's actually called 'maskne' and has become quite a problem for people with sensitive skin."
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