Ruthin beauty salon backs support received from the community

A Denbighshire beautician says even the smallest purchase puts a huge smile on the face of local traders.

Independent beauty and hairdressing business Beauty on the Square, has been operating in Ruthin for over four years but like most, the global pandemic shook their usual ways of trading, so business owner and hair and beauty professional Kara Tyrrell had to think on her feet and adapt.

Kara who attended Ysgol Brynhyfryd in Ruthin and went onto train as a beautician, said: “During lockdown, I recognised that people were keen to look after themselves at home, particularly looking after their health, including skincare.

“I couldn’t offer physical services so instead used my professional knowledge to create skincare tutorials and then uploaded the videos onto our social media channels.

“After adding an online shop, social media viewers soon turned into customers and took advantage of our click and collect and our delivery service - the support was amazing.”

Beauty on the Square started offering gift items such as scented candles, make up bags and trinkets as well as tailor made pamper gift hampers and ‘at home packages’

Kara is supporting is supporting the #LoveLiveLocal campaign being run by Denbighshire County Council, with the aim of encouraging more people to support local businesses and shop local this winter.

She said: “There is an assumption that small businesses aren’t competitively priced as online stores, this is not always accurate. The difference is, by supporting local you are protecting local businesses and ultimately your high street.

“There is so much on offer in your local high street I would encourage people to explore what is on their doorsteps.”

Ruthin resident Kara has invested in specialist training to give back to her community.

She said: “We get involved in local fundraising events and are always attending training courses to better the salon and benefit our clients, such as dementia training to ensure the salon is dementia friendly.

“There is a strong community, including with our neighbouring businesses. Look after your local business and we can look after you.”

For further information about the campaign, follow Denbighshire County Council’s Facebook and Twitter accounts, as well as the #LoveLiveLocal Facebook page account.