Melissa Gorgievski, of Charli & Kate, starts each day during COVID lockdown home schooling her three children before heading into one of her currently closed salons to fill online orders for customers.
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She then returns home to more schoolwork.
Just prior to the first lockdown in 2020 Mrs Gorgievski had decided to start online sales of the hair products she stocks.
That side of the business took off when she was forced to close the doors to customers last year.
Now it is busy again with the latest lockdown.
Mrs Gorgievski said she didn't have a crystal ball in early 2020. She was just looking for ways to grow her business and came up with the idea of launching an online platform.
"It allowed our local customers and new customers from all over Australia to buy our products online," she said.
"The first lockdown saw a surge in sales. Then through the year we maintained continuous growth.
"Now with both of our salons closed we have had to re-shift our focus again and put all our resources into the online business because that is all we have at the moment. We are shipping every day."
Despite its success in recent weeks Mrs Gorgievski's thoughts are still for her stylists who are unable to work during the present lockdown.
"It is devastating none of the staff can come to work as hair stylists," she said.
Charli & Kate is providing them with online training and as much support as Mrs Gorgievski can while continuing with the online sales to keep her business afloat so their jobs are there waiting when the lockdown ends.
"It is tough having to close two shops," she said.
"But it is good to still be able to deliver our customers hair products through our site. That is probably the best decision I ever made. And I am very grateful I made it when I did.
"I saw there was a different pattern emerging in retail and they was an opportunity for Charli & Kate to go online with the brands we carry.
"And I think people like to support family owned businesses. That is the feedback I am getting from customers all over Australia.
"We are also doing online consultations where people can book in for a one-on-one consultation based on what their hair needs and concerns are."
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
