SALON VIEW
The age of
INNERSENSE Sonya Annesley grew up in the tiny town of Caragabal with plans to work on the family farm, but fate led her into beauty. The inspiring working mum catches up with Michelle Ruzzene to share what life is like in her Engadine salon, InnerSense Beauty & Day Spa. When was InnerSense established? “After growing my business from home for many years, InnerSense was established. I was a single mum raising two daughters, so I ran the business from home before moving to the premises at Engadine. We have nine large treatment rooms, a reception area and two pedicure spa chairs. As a single mum, it was great to have flexibility to care for my two daughters.”
Tell us about your staff? “We have three casual receptionists, five beauty therapists and two contract remedial massage therapists. Many of my girls have been with me for over 11 years. There is no way I could run this business without the amazing team I have – we are like family.”
What makes InnerSense unique? “It has a welcoming, fun, caring, warm environment. We feel blessed to have clients that have been associated with us for over 30 years. Our downstairs area has our reception and is where all our waxing, laser, spray tans and pedicure treatments take place. Our upstairs is our quiet peaceful place where our clients can enjoy pampering facials and massages in a relaxing calm environment.”
Salon highlights? “We have so many highlights as a salon and as a team. Introducing new technologies and treatments always creates excitement. In 2016 I had pursued other business opportunities, however quickly realised beauty was my first love. The salon needed a new injection and we had a rep from True Solutions pop in one day to show us Omnilux LED light therapy. One of my staff was adamant it was the way to go and we purchased it. It was a game changer. The same year we were nominated for the Sutherland Shire Small Business Awards and we were so ecstatic when we won.”
What challenges have you faced? “Small business is hard and at times terrifying. When things are slow we will have a staff meeting and brainstorming session to see what ideas the girls have. Sometimes you have to go back to basics, like sending clients letters, offering something complimentary with a facial, sending out specials on social media or by SMS. You cannot sit back and wait for the clients to walk in the door.”
How do you focus on retail? “Retail is the key to success. If a client has a facial, they genuinely care about their skin or have a concern. I would rather see a client have fewer facials and
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