Knutsford Nails closes as beauticians launch new businesses at home

Sarra Birrell has decided to close Knutsford Nails on King Street after 16 years.

The 48-year-old and business partner Lorraine Dunne are embarking on a fresh chapter in their lives.

The salon will be converted back to its original use as a residential property.

Sarra is having a salon built in the garden of her home and has christened it The Nail Shed.

Lorraine, 29, who is getting married at St Vincent's Catholic Church in Knutsford in September, has converted the garage of her home into Holmes Chapel Beauty Lounge.

Lorraine Dunne has converted a garage at her home in Holmes Chapel Beauty Lounge

The pair, who have worked together for seven years, are sorry to be leaving the town centre.

Sarra said: "I just feel that the strain and stress that Covid has brought has been really difficult. It has changed both our outlooks on life.

"I know some businesses have flourished but the beauty and hairdressing industry hasn't.

"We closed three times during lockdown and every time we re-opened we lost more and more clients."

Many customers, she believes, simply didn't need to have their nails manicured because they were staying at home.

"People weren't going anywhere because there were no special celebrations or parties," said Sarra.

"Some customers were nervous to start with and other people's circumstances changes.

"Until we start to be able to go on holiday and functions and events start up again, it is going to be really hard.

"We did receive the grants we were entitled to and were looked after in that respect, it was just the nature of the business."

However, the beauty therapists are confident their clients will return and follow them to their new salons.

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"We have both got lots of clients who have been coming to us for years," said Sarra.

Sarra Birrell is having a salon built in her garden called The Nail Shed

"I love my job, doing people's nails. It is a real passion. I love talking to people. The majority of my clients are my friends, I have been doing their nails for such a long time.

"They come in and offload all their worries. I try to put things in perspective for them.

"It is really rewarding, especially when clients seem so pleased with their nails."

Sarra specialises in bio sculpture.

"It is a gel, an organic product that looks really natural. It is hard wearing but kind to the nails. I think I am the only person in Knutsford that does it."

Lorraine specialises in Lycon hot waxing, made with the finest natural resins, bees wax and sensuous aromatherapy.

"We will miss working with each other," said Sarra. "We are still great friends and will support each other.

"This is a new, exciting chapter in both our lives."

Knutsford Nails closes on July 23. Lorraine opens her business on July 26 and Sarra will be welcoming customers from August 3.