PERTH businesswoman Helen Golisano has survived three tough financial periods – a recession, divorce and a global financial crisis – but none has stopped her from expanding.
The mother-of-three secured extra space at Central Park on Hay Street to expand Skindeep Medi-spa from 87sqm to 245sqm soon after news of the downturn last year.
Despite many sleepless nights, Mrs Golisano pushed forward with her plans and spent about $500,000 to ensure her clients could access top non-surgical medical procedures and plenty of pampering.
“In the recession our clientele has not slowed down,” she said. “Figures from May went right up from April and even that was up from March.
“You just need to keep being positive because that will keep people coming in… what you give out is what you get back.”
The Mullaloo resident completed her beauty training on weekends, spending the working week as a secretary in the Department of Foreign Affairs before opening a beauty business in the back room of her Cervantes home.
Mrs Golisano opened her first salon in Whitfords more than 22 years ago and after a divorce, moved her business to Mullaloo, where she still operates out of two shops. She also has Floreat and Como salons.
The Perth salon is the biggest and houses some the most advanced equipment.
A sleeping pod arrived from the United States last week and Mrs Golisano said just 20 minutes in the pod would improve a client’s day and overall sleeping pattern. It was through her research and travel she met Canadian cosmetic physician Maggie Stein, who specialises in thermage skin tightening and lifts. Dr Stein said botox and fillers were the most popular treatments.