Tonic is a long established hair salon in Raglan with a loyal following. Jacqui from the Local Rag chats to Rachel the owner to look back on 20 years of business.
Take us back to when you first opened in Raglan and where you operated from?
When I made the move to Raglan and opened my salon 20 years ago I had no idea that I’d still be in business 20 years on so I’m pretty stoked with myself for surviving. I didn’t have a clue how to run a business.
My first shop was on Wainui Road (where the Laundromat is now) I operated there for 3 years before building my own purpose built salon on the front of my property on Bankart street.
How did things evolve to where you are today?
I guess thing just naturally evolved because I had such incredible support from the locals straight away and it has grown to exactly where I want it to be. I feel grateful to have such an awesome team and loyal clientele.
You have always had such a fabulous team of stylists over the years and a core group who keep returning to you. What have you loved about the group you have established?
Yes I have been very blessed with all my staff I’ve had over the years but my core girls Annick and Eva have both been part of the Tonic team for over a decade. I keep thinking they might leave when they have time away for studies or long stints abroad but they keep returning. We all get on so well and the support we give each other is invaluable.
It is such a giving and high energy profession. How do you look after yourself in order to keep productive?
Yes it is very giving and can be very tiring at times but we have all worked out a good work life balance to sustain being able to do it for so long and look after ourselves.
What are some of the highlights over the last 20 years of operating?
Meeting so many wonderful people in the salon over the years and making some great friendships.
Being able to be around for my son while still being able to work with the convenience of having my business at home.
To be able to work in this beautiful place and have a great lifestyle.
Who would you like to give thanks to?
Annick and Eva for doing a great job and our awesome loyal customers who without you we wouldn’t still be here.
And great news !
We have a new online booking system to make everybody’s life easier.
A: 8 Bankart Street
P: 07 825 0313
W: tonicsalonraglan.wixsite.com/newzealand
