Rough time for owner of a beauty salon

FOR the first time in nine years, Amanda Pillay has had to close her beauty salon.

As her home’s sole breadwinner, the 36-year-old said she was feeling overwhelmed.

She did not expect her life and that of her family’s to be turned upside down.

Pillay qualified as a beautician in 2004 and worked at a beauty salon until 2011.

“I was eight months pregnant when the owner decided to sell the business. I was at a loss.

“I decided I could not mope around anymore. There was nothing holding me back from starting my own salon.

“I had a baby on the way and my husband was not earning too well and I knew I needed to do something.”

In 2011, she opened Amanda’s Beauty Salon.

“It was tough. I had to find a premises and started working from a Wendy house on my mother’s property in Montford.

“Then I had to buy equipment and stock. I slowly worked on building a brand and clientele. Today, I run a salon from the home I rent, which is also in Montford.”

She said it was a good idea to go into business because her husband lost his job in 2015.

“He has been looking for work but during these tough economic times, jobs are hard to come by.

“I have been taking care of the household expenses, our 10-yearold daughter’s school expenses and seeing to the operational costs of the business.

“Just when I thought things could not become tougher, this happened (Covid-19 pandemic).”

Pillay said that after the first patient tested positive for Covid-19 last month, and people became more concerned about the virus, she got fewer customers.

“Business slowed down even further when the travel ban was implemented and in the days leading to the lockdown.

“I had enough money to buy groceries but I could not afford to pay the full rental to the landlord.

“Fortunately, the landlord is understanding and knows my business has taken a knock. But I am concerned because I will still have the next rent to pay.

“During these uncertain times, everything has become stressful. I understand we cannot get upset or blame anyone for what is happening, but I am feeling overwhelmed.

“All I do is pray.”

Last week Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, the minister of small business development, said small businesses were eligible to receive financial aid.

The government established a fund to help small businesses.

The fund was given a R2 billion boost donated by the Oppenheimer and Rupert families.

Ntshavheni called on businesses to apply for funding.

Pillay said that, as a small business, she applied but she was told she did not qualify.

“I was told my business had to comply with the Black Economic Empowerment Act of 2003 and mine does not. I do not have staff and I am the sole owner.

“So, I have to wait for the lockdown to end and build my business again. If the lockdown is extended I don’t know how we will survive.”

During these uncertain times, everything has

become stressful

Amanda Pillay

BEAUTY SALON OWNER