Allenton salon has ‘no regrets’ about opening in lockdown as day-one customers still return five years on

The owner of a beauty salon in Allenton has reflected on her journey five years after opening her salon in the height of lockdown. Monique Murphy, owner of Monique Hair & Beauty on Nightingale Road, said opening her salon has been “one of the best decisions she has ever made” as the beauty spot celebrates its fifth anniversary on September 5.

“Lockdown was a tough time for everyone,” Monique said. “No one knew what was going to happen, tomorrow wasn’t promised. That is why I decided to open the salon, it was something I always wanted to do, but never had the push to.”

The salon, which started out offering cuts and hairstyles for women and men with afro hair, has now expanded its offering to include nail and lash services. During the first year in business, the salon was “open on and off” due to changing lockdown restrictions, Monique recalled.

“Up until 2022, we were faced with various restrictions that we had to work our way through. In that year, I also had my daughter, which put me in front of even more challenges,” she added.

“Managing a salon whilst pregnant and then looking after the baby was tough, but I had amazing people helping me out who kept the business going. Now, my daughter is three years old and I am incredibly proud I continued and have no regrets.”

Monique’s salon now operates with five members of staff, who offer specialist services for lashes, nails and hair. Looking back on the challenges she has been faced with, Monique said: “Five years on, and opening the salon is still one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

“It hasn’t always been easy juggling the challenges of being a first-time mum, dealing with mum guilt and running the business, but every step has been worth it. I still have customers from day one returning and it means the world to me to have such a loyal customer base.

“Thank you to my amazing team for sharing the journey with me, I truly couldn’t have asked for a better team. And to our wonderful clients who keep us booked and busy, we appreciate you all so much.”