LIKE the rest of the population, Karla McDiarmid has been left shell-shocked by the events of the past few weeks.
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Just a month ago, her two award-winning medi spas were thriving and it was business as usual.
But on March 25, the beauty industry, like many other industries, was turned on its head when it was shut down by the government in a move to contain the spread of COVID-19.
Karla said one of the hardest things she's ever had to do was stand down her staff of 18.
"It was heartbreaking. I've never had to do anything like that before.
"As a business owner, you're going through the motions of the COVID-19 virus outbreak, watching the news each day in January and February, and then hearing the news your business will be closing its doors within 24 hours in March.
"It's an absolute nightmare for any business owner - especially if you are responsible for 18 individuals' wages each week."
As soon as the news came through, Karla went straight to social media to reach out to her staff and clientele.
She wanted them to know they will keep in touch and when the business can reopen, it will be bigger and better than ever before.
Having processed the news, Karla said she realised she could still open the retail part of her business and sell the many thousands of dollars of stock the business had sitting on the shelves. For the past two weeks, that's exactly what she's been doing.
"We've been selling endless amounts of Dermalogica, Sothys skincare, Glasshouse Fragrances, Pure Fiji and Napoleon Perdis, all at a reduced rate to clear it," she said.
"The demand has been so high for some items, I've had to re-buy more stock in to keep up."
The upshot is she's been able to bring back one employee to help her deliver orders and complete online sales.
"It's incredible," she said.
Karla said the sales will keep the business going, enabling it to repay its suppliers, who are owed thousands of dollars.
She said while times are tough, it was important not to lose sight of the future.
A previous winner of Business Leader of the Year at the Bathurst and Orange business awards and Best Spa Manager in Australia at the Australian Beauty Industry Awards, Karla has a proactive, 'can-do' attitude.
"I'm focusing on creating a brand new spa, new treatment menus, looking into new treatments and products and I'm already planning my Macquarie Medi Spa 2.0 reopening parties and promotions," she said.
Karla's advice for all business owners is to start getting out of the 'poor me' mentality and begin looking at the business and where it can be improved.
But business owners also need to look after themselves, she said.
"Focus on your mental health first - you can't pour from an empty cup.
"Revisit your database - are you even collecting your clients' data? Many businesses don't and this is crazy. Every coffee shop and café should be collecting data to email specials and menus to.
"Update your files and reach out to your clients - you will need to make sure your lists are up to date, especially for your reopening.
"Those who don't reach out will fail when it comes time to reopening.
"What can you improve now that you couldn't do with people always in your business? We have cleaned the business top to toe.
"Book in tradesmen whilst they can still come in and social distance, update displays, update your website, focus on your social media; most business owners complained they don't have time to do social media - now is the time."
Finally, she said to start looking at other ways to do business - and online is vital.
"For us, online has gone crazy. Shopify is super easy to set up and manage," she said.
