Justine brings some glamour to Te Aroha
When Justine Gatman decided to open her business in Te Aroha, there were a few key targets she wanted to hit.
‘‘I wanted to set up an establishment that is founded upon excellence.
‘‘One where people could experience quality products, a beautiful salon environment with the latest, most advanced techniques and equipment,’’ she said.
It looks like she’s taken a huge step towards achieving those goals as her business, Gatman Glamour, was the Gull Customer Service Award winner for Te Aroha, at this year’s MatamataPiako Business Awards.
Gatman opened the business just 15 months ago and worked as its director.
It is Te Aroha’s ‘‘only boutique salon’’ offering all things beauty, according to the business’ Facebook page.
In her acceptance speech, at the awards ceremony held at the Te Aroha Events Centre, she said running a business had been a ‘‘rollercoaster ride’’.
‘‘But it’s been awesome to provide a service that hasn’t been around, in a way that is exciting and it’s nice to come in and be welcomed by our customers.’’
She also acknowledged the other finalists in the Customer Service Award category, which included Farming Quilt and Craft, Taj Indian Restaurant and Villa Nine Organic Health Shop.
Following the awards, she also thanked her clients.
‘‘I would like to think my clients value my standard of excellence and recognise my eye for detail and going that extra mile for each and every one of them.’’
Gatman has lived in the district since she was a teen after moving to Te Aroha from Auckland.
‘‘Before opening my own salon I was an independently contracted aesthetician where I managed and co-ordinated the opening of other salons.’’
She hoped the award would help her continue the growth of her business, not just for herself but also for ‘‘our beautiful town’’.
‘‘I would like to see Gatman Glamour become an establishment that nurtures and develops our philosophy of excellence in budding young therapists who are passionate about a future in this every evolving industry.
‘‘I am exploring a future in training apprentices in the hope to provide employment and career opportunities to our youth.’’
She also thanked people for ‘‘their encouragement and support’’ for her work and her business over the past 15 months.
‘‘To those who voted I am truly grateful! I look forward to what the future brings for Gatman Glamour.’’
‘‘I wanted to set up an establishment that is founded upon excellence. One where people could experience quality products, a beautiful salon environment with the latest, most advanced techniques and equipment.’’