"It's a reward, because we work really hard leading up to [the competitions]. We train on evenings and days off - preparing hairpieces and practising on models and organising make-up and outfits."
They have held three fundraising catwalk shows in the salon, the most recent to benefit Women's Refuge. Its 12 models had hair, make-up and clothes all provided locally and their photographs were used in a fundraising calendar. The salon has a professionally set up photographic studio on the premises.
Professional is the name of the game, Miss Thompson said. Trained at UCOL, she was managing a Wanganui salon before she and Miss Neilson achieved their heart's desire - to have their own business.
They moved into what used to be the Palmers Plumbing & Heating building in March last year, after 10 weeks of exhausting and intensive renovations.
"Obviously with anything like this you are financially committed for a very long time," Miss Thompson said.
They have six staff, with one on maternity leave at present, and they would love to have more.
Long term, they would like to expand the business, either at that building or somewhere else.
They like all aspects of hairdressing, but specialise in the total look for balls and weddings. And they take pains to look smart and professional, and for the salon to look the same.
"There's nothing else we want to get out of bed every morning to do," Miss Thompson said.
