Joint dream of beauty now reality

Two Martinborough women say they are living their dreams in kickstarting their businesses in hairdressing and beauty therapy.

Ellen Dell, of Ellen on Jellicoe, and Sophie Laing, of Fox Beauty Therapy, are sharing premises at 29 Jellicoe St in Martinborough.

The pair's salon, which boasts a creative hair studio and beauty therapy room in separate areas, was unveiled for business last weekend.

Ms Dell said she had previously been working as a hairdresser out of the front room of her mother's house.

"My stepfather saw that I had a strong client base in Martinborough, and this building became available. It's perfect. It's definitely a dream come true."

She designed the decor of the salon, including the installation of a chandelier that casts a large decorative shadow as an unexpected feature.

The two have known each other for a long time and "get on like a house on fire", she said.

"We offer very complementary services, which is very beneficial to both of us."

Ms Laing's business offers make-up, nails, massages and beauty treatments.

She had also been working out of home and was "really, really excited" about having premises.

It was ideal working with someone who loved her job, she said. "[Ellen] is so confident. She's extremely good with consultation."

As well as a dedicated client base, Ms Laing said they wanted to cater for the substantial wedding market in Wairarapa. "We have a huge amount of weddings happening here, especially with people from Wellington."

In the meantime, bookings do not seem to be a problem.

"It's been manic. We've got a full day," she told the Times-Age.