By KATRINA BRANDON
THE years of lockdown created a lot of uncertainty, especially for new businesses.
Traralgon’s Laser Clinic Australia (LCA) opened eight months before COVID, leaving the franchisee, Danielle Daniel, wondering what would happen.
Ms Daniel started the franchise, which she saw as an opportunity to serve the Latrobe Valley community.
“We didn’t offer anything like that here and wanted something to do, so I brought the franchise to Traralgon. My background is in beauty. I have also worked in education and training, and I was at home for six years looking after my children. I wanted something that would challenge me and make me feel like I had a purpose,” Ms Daniel said.
Originally, LCA hadn’t planned on a clinic in Traralgon, but Ms Daniel changed their minds.
“I asked LCA if they were looking at an opening in Traralgon, and they said they weren’t looking at regional clinics. A few months later, they returned to me and said we had looked at it and would like to have that conversation. We have had great support from the head office. They teach you everything you need to know and support the clinic’s opening,” she said.
The LCA office in Traralgon has received many awards since opening, including Customer Service Awards, Gippsland Business Awards, Best LCA Franchisee for Tasmania and Victoria, and National Franchisee of the Year.
“This year, we attended the LCA conference and got the award for National Franchise of the Year, roughly out of 160 clinics Australia-wide. It’s 100 per cent an us event, not just me,” she said.
“I couldn’t have done it without the girls.”
Ms Daniel told the Latrobe Valley Express that she adores her team and couldn’t have done any of it without them.
With some staff not previously having a beauty background, they go through Laser Safety Officer courses so they can do laser work. Most staff came in already having a diploma in Beauty Therapy and do the whole scope of work offered at the clinic.
Other challenges like COVID-19 have included navigating life as a working mother.
“Being a mum can make managing the business’ workload challenging … but with having 14 to 15 staff members, plus three contracted nurses, it comes down to managing time and building a good rapport with them so that they can support you and vice versa,” Ms Daniel said.
“Before COVID, we were open for eight months and then had to open and shut continuously. That was challenging not knowing what the outcome would be and your business, being a new business, if it would survive and get through it.
“Now, the other challenge is that people need more funds to be able to consider purchasing extra services like ours. We aren’t a necessity but a want.”
Even with the challenges, Ms Daniel told the Latrobe Valley Express, “If you have your heart and soul set on it and can make something out of it, give it a go”.
“Sometimes, we are held back as women because of being at home with children, but it doesn’t always come down to that. If you have the passion and the want to do it, you will make it work.”
