A couple from Fenay Bridge are preparing to re-open their beauty salon and day spa business after a nightmare 2020 which saw them sink everything they had into a derelict pub.
Caroline and Scot McCready bought the old Wilsons Arms pub in Mirfield in January last year just two months before the pandemic struck.
The old pub was gutted and turned into Zen-Spa and Scot, 53, an electrician, carried out much of the building work himself.
The couple spent £6,000 on skips alone and their £90,000 budget for the renovation soared to £140,000 by the time they’d finished.
But the result is stunning and Caroline, 57, said: “It is high spec and we wanted to do it once and do it properly.”
Caroline admitted 2020 had been “horrendous and really worrying” but added: “Giving up was not an option.”
Zen-Spa wasn’t eligible for any Government help until November and it was a scary time for the couple.
The spa finally opened in October but then shut for the second lockdown in November, opening at the start of December before a third lockdown at the turn of the year.
Caroline, a beauty therapist and skin care expert who was based at Toni & Guy in Huddersfield for many years, has a team of five and has been doing Zoom training with staff ahead of the re-opening.
With more than 20 years’ experience in the beauty industry and with expertise in semi-permanent make-up, Caroline is already used to working in PPE but that’s different for her staff.
“There’s a lot to adapt to as we look to keep everyone safe,” said Caroline.
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No expense has been spared with the three rooms downstairs and five spa rooms upstairs. There are bespoke nail and make-up bars.
The building has vaulted cellars and the plan for the future are steam rooms with hot tubs and saunas.
“It’s been hard but I’m starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel now,” said Caroline. “Let’s just hope there are no more lockdowns.”
