FOUR years after initially training to be a beauty therapist one dale resident is celebrating new year with a new salon.
Gabrielle Haynes, 29, says she is delighted at the response she has received since opening her own salon, Beauty at Gabrielle’s, at 72a Galgate, Barnard Castle, in early January.
Beauty at Gabrielle’s offers a wide range of beauty therapy treatments from gel polish nails, facials, eye lash extensions through to waxing and tanning as well as a tempting array of stress relieving Swedish massages.
Mrs Haynes says a move back to Barnard Castle with her husband, Adam, and two-and-a-half year-old son, Fraser, encouraged her to seek out premises of her own in the town.
She said: “It made sense if we were living in Barnard Castle to be working here as well. It means I can spend quality time with my son more easily.”
Mrs Haynes added: “I started out in 2014 and trained with Saks Academy.
“I was working at Scotch Corner at the same time. It was an in-house training scheme and I actually won Saks Apprentice of the Year back then.
“But the lady I was working for closed the salon and so I decided to go self employed, which was difficult as I was pregnant with my son at the time.”
For three years, Mrs Haynes worked out of the Apple beauty saloon, in Evenwood, building up a large client list.
She said: “At the time we were living at St Helen, so it worked.
“I was completely self employed and had about the same space as I do now. But it’s great to have it all to myself.”
After the festive celebrations were over and done with, Mrs Haynes organised an afternoon soiree to officially open her new salon.
And in pride of place was a Christmas present from her husband – a bespoke reception desk, which was custom made by their friend James Harrison.
She said: “It was a great afternoon and it was brilliant to know I have so many fantastic, loyal customers and there were lots of new ones too. And it was great having the reception desk, it’s just so nice of James to have made it for me.
“I never needed one before working at Apple – we all shared.”
Beauty at Gabrielle’s will be open daily from Wednesday to Saturday but Mrs Haynes also provides evening appointments for clients.
She added: “I’m hoping to open up more when Fraser goes to nursery, but for the time being I’m enjoying being a mum and spending time with him.
“I do arrange appointments though to try and suit clients as and when they need them.”
