She also does electrolysis, waxing, manicures, facials, make-up and eyebrow and eyelash treatments.
She learned the craft during a one-year course at Palmerston North's private NZ Institute of Electrolysis and Beauty Therapy, graduating in 2004. Since then she has worked in Wanganui and Sydney, returning to the River City at the end of March to start her own business.
"I just wanted to come home and try it out for myself while I don't have children or other commitments," Miss Ryder said.
She has leapt in with both feet, leasing a shop in Victoria Ave for five years from landlord Peter Cullen. It was divided it into four treatment rooms and a toilet and staff room.
Friends and family helped with the decorating. Choosing the decor along with nail and skin products was fun, Miss Ryder said.
She may eventually have two or three staff and said she loved the location alongside Protege Hairdressing and Liquorland.
"We are like a block of girls," she said.
She has never regretted choosing a career in beauty. "It's the best thing that I could have ever done."
