It is our pleasure to welcome Claire to the Sunday profile this week.

Born in a mining town in Western Australia and working in a factory job - how does a woman end up owning a successful Beauty Salon in the heart of McLaren Vale?

You are the owner of Pink Salt Body & Skin in McLaren Vale.  How long have you had the business, and what was your inspiration to take on the beauty industry? 

Pink Salt Body and Skin is only three weeks old after rebranding from Belli Bliss Beauty and Wellness, which I had owned for more than five years after purchasing the business.

My journey into the beauty industry began seven years ago, after I took a package from my factory job in Lonsdale.  I was always interested in massage so I started with a 3 day Introduction into Massage course.  I asked my Beauty Therapist at the time if she needed a massage therapist in which case she did.  After much discussion with my husband, I made the call to Hyde Park College of Beauty Therapy and met with the principal Dianne Miles.  Not long after my meeting with Dianne I enrolled into the college, studied hard and here I am today. 

I graduated with a Diploma in Beauty Therapy, CIBTAC and CIDESCO ( world recognised qualifications).  On graduating I also gained distinctions in multiple areas along with two college awards for outstanding performance.

We may have noticed a business name change…please tell us more.

Pink salt body + skin 

The name change has been floating around for at least four years, but as I was new to business, it was a little daunting. 

We moved the salon two years ago, only a few doors up on Main Rd, McLaren Vale. It was then, that I felt the time was right to put my own touch on the salon with a new name.

When covid-19 hit and I had to close for 10 weeks, this gave me a lot of time to reflect and start getting the wheels in motion.

Working closely with Liza Reynolds from Larc Designs, Pink Salt Body and Skin was born.  

The name is more true to myself. It will enable my business to grow and help me introduce more to my wide and varied treatment menu.  

(I’ve already had a couple people ask if it is a franchise. I see this as a positive that maybe one day it will be....) 

Beauty – Body and Skin.  What’s your favourite pamper?

I love them all, however I do love a pedicure.  

When I have time I will lay under the Omnilux LED light therapy to give my skin a boost.  

You live locally. Have you always lived in this part of the Fleurieu?

My parents built in Hackham. They were the 3rd to have their house completed in the new established area. My parents then moved for work to Western Australia and I was born in a tiny mining town in the Pilbra Western Australia, Paraburdoo. In 1986 they moved back here to South Australia and into the house they built all those years before.   

My husband and I now live in Reynella and have done so for many years.

Working in such an industry and location is pretty special.  What is it that makes you proud of the place you live and work?

Growing up we would always be travelling through the Fleurieu and making many trips through McLaren Vale and Willunga.

With my salon in the area it feels so good to drive South for work. On my drive to work I see the ocean, the vines and the hills.  This helps me get into a good mindset for the day.  

Working in a beauty salon must have its moments (good and bad!), what’s the most memorable?

Oh many good things and sometimes not so good, but what happens in the treatment room stays in the treatment room.  Lol

I love getting to know my clients and likewise my clients enjoy hearing about what is happening in my life.  I find the interaction with all my clients rewarding. 

I also travel to some of our world class Bed and Breakfast locations to conduct massages. It is great to work in such beautiful environments and with local business owners.

On a more personal note, tell us a little about Claire and what you love to do out of work.

Outside of work I love being with family and friends, always up for a good time. 

I have 2 boys Alex 14 and Ryan 11. 

My husband and I met when I was 17.

I play netball and football, so weeknights are very busy with game nights and training.  

I have also started a Blog page on Facebook about my fitness journey this year called Gulfview 2km.  

My other main thing I love to do is travel.  We have been on many overseas and Australian trips.  The best trip being in 2019, where we travelled for four months up the centre of Australia and around the west coast of Australia.  

YOUR TOP TIPS for the Fleurieu Peninsula / Kangaroo Island:

Best place to....

• Grab a quick bite…kicco
• Have a more serious feed…Salopian Inn
• Get a cuppa… kicco
• Have a beer (or cold drink)…Sabellas
• Taste some wine (or just enjoy the winery atmosphere) ...Never Never Distillery, Chalk Hill wines, along with Maxwells and Wirra Wirra 
• Go for a dip…any of our beaches they are all beautiful
• Explore nature…Onkaparinga Gorge

When I’m on the Fleurieu and/or KI, I…

• feel… relaxed and happy
• always make sure I visit… our local wineries and beaches
• stock up on… wine and plenty of snacks for a cheese platter

Best memory of being here:

I remember the maze at Maxwell Wines when it was planted.  

My best piece of advice for anyone heading to the region: 

Give yourself time to enjoy all the different aspects, from the beaches to wandering the main street of our little communities, eat and drink local at our cafes, restaurants and wineries. 

Find Claire and her lovely salon - pink salt body + skin here:

On the Fleurieu App Web App

On the Fleurieu App

On the Web - new website coming soon!

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