THE owner of a Johnstone beauty salon and boutique has told how the Covid pandemic has put her business under serious financial pressure.

Jillian McCall, who runs Eternally Beautiful, in Thorn Brae, described lockdown as “tough,” with the beauty industry among those hit hardest by restrictions.

The business was forced to close its doors for most of the past year and, even after reopening in May, Jillian and her staff were restricted in what treatments they could provide.

Jillian, 51, told The Gazette: “We’ve had such a tough time with Covid and it’s only been in the past few weeks that our clients have been able to take off their face masks when they are receiving treatments.

“The pandemic has affected us really badly because we have only been open for around four months over this last year. I’ve still not been able to see a lot of my clients since the start of the lockdown, which is a shame.

“I have many friends who also had salons that they’ve had to shut down due to the pandemic, so it’s been a very worrying time for us.”

Jillian believes her salon has managed to remain in business thanks to a new boutique she opened just before the pandemic started.

She said: “The boutique means we can cater for a variety of age groups, as I have clients in their teens up to their eighties.

“We’re so happy to get back to work and see everyone again – and our clients are really glad that we’re back too.”

Jillian, who has been a beauty therapist for more than 20 years, will stage an open day at her boutique tomorrow, from 11am to 3pm, with discounts on offer.

She added: “There will be different demonstrations at the open day, as well as raffle prizes, such as treatments and beauty products. We will also have 20 per cent off all our clothes.”

For more details, visit www.eternally-beautiful.com.