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BEAUTY services company Oi Cosmetic Studio has expanded its Helensvale operations to include Paradise Point. It now plans to open shop in Coolangatta and other locations.
Founder Trudi McConnell (pictured left) gave her full support when one of her employees decided to start up her own Oi Cosmetic Studio in Paradise Point.
“She was a business coach and found an existing business for sale. She bought it for $18,000 and took over the machinery,” says McConnell.
The two stores shared marketing database information and advertised to customers and residents through mailbox drops, holding a special ‘girls’ night in’ and offering a 15 per cent discount on services for the first month.
“Since May the shop has doubled its turnover, which is a big improvement on the pre-sale revenue of $5000 a month. Our business model gives a steady cash flow. Before a shop opens its doors, we provide $12,000 to cover the bills. It removes over reliance on walk-in business,” says McConnell.
Oi Cosmetics plans to make the girls’ night in a regular event by partnering up with a charity, preferably one related to children and family.
“The Smith Family and the House With No Steps are organisations I am keen to hold talks with,” she says.
The Helensvale store overcame its cash flow and technical difficulties caused by theft and rapid membership growth by snapping up discounted machines from a competitor in receivership.
“We bolstered our hair removal and the anti-ageing capabilities by purchasing a Palomar machine, saving $40,000 in the process. We also bought a diamond head microderm machine worth $8000 for just $1000,” says McConnell.
Although the company plans to open another store in Coolangatta by May 2012, it has also held talks with parties about setting up shop in Noosa and Robina.
“We are looking for people who have firm values and create opportunities for others,” says McConnell.
“We care about outcomes and acknowledge that staff can make or break our business. They are very much a part of the journey.”
Celebrities have also visited Oi Cosmetics in the past 12 months, with Tamara from the Beauty and the Beast TV series the most recent high-profile customer.
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ON THE MOVE
Trudi McConnell and Abby Withers
Oi Cosmetic Studio
COSMETICS
Ages: 39 and 25
Business Est: 2010
Staff: 10
Growth: 100 per cent
Turnover: $320,000
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