"I was happily working for the past sixteen years as a self employed beautician, when out of the blue, we were hit by Covid 19.  Nobody had the slightest idea that the world was to face one of the most contagious viruses ever in the months ahead.

In 2004 and at quite a late stage in life (non è mai troppo tardi, as they say), I decided to change from banking to beauty therapy.  I opted for the ITEC Diploma, which I achieved with great results.  And much to my satisfaction I opened Le Mart Beauty Spa in Rue D'Argens, Msida, after attending a course with ETC for business entrepreneurs from which I benefited a great deal.

 Le Mart Beauty Salon, Mary’s creation

I had worked in two different local banks before. I had foreseen that in 10 years' time (God willing, still alive and kicking) I would be a pensioner, free from work, a lady of leisure growing old in the comfortable environment of my home in Lija.  But that has never been my style. (My motto being: 'The more I work the younger I feel').

The first four years of the business were hard. Clients do not come queuing at your door straight away.  But I believed that what I had created with so much fervour had to succeed, and fortunately it did.

In 2010, I decided to offer more services to my growing clientele and when few individuals had heard of Threading, I went to the UK and obtained a diploma in Threading with the HABIA school of Beauty. I learnt the Indian type of Threading which works by holding the end of the tread in one's mouth and creating a loop with both hands, thus removing any facial hairs from the root. Threading is easy on sensitive skin as no chemicals are used but just an antibacterial threading thread.  It gives great results as it is more accurate, and it is long lasting. It is not painful though some assume that it is. This treatment especially for eyebrow shaping became a very important niche in my salon, attracting new clients from every part of the island through recommendation, as I do not advertise.

Our diarist performing Arabic Threading on a client

At the beginning of March, when we started experiencing the first cases of Covid-19, I stopped the Threading treatment as a precautionary measure.  Various clients opted for the Waxing treatment, but others refused waxing on their faces.  Subsequently fifteen days later the Government ordered the lockdown of all salons.

Although somewhat sad about the imposed situation, I enjoyed the unexpected break and the company of my 13-year-old niece, Federica, as her parents, who had just returned from abroad,  were in quarantine.  I cooked a variety of dishes for her and my husband and gained expertise in bread making.  There was now time to do some thorough spring cleaning and the clearing of drawers from years of hoarding. I also enjoyed sewing a variety of masks for myself and my friends.  I would go for walks and do physical exercises as I was cautious not to put on weight.  There was more time for phone calls to family, clients, and friends to see how they were faring.  Easter came and went. It was uneventful, but I managed to get my first dip.

Knowing that this break would end any day and not wanting to disappoint my clients, I taught myself Arabic Threading from Internet.  This is different from the Indian Threading as it is done with just the fingers, thus I was able to wear a mask and comply with the safety measures. So now with a positive attitude to Covid 19, I have learnt both types of Threading.

Cleanliness has always been one of the most important aspects at my salon, but now this is done in front of each client for their peace of mind.

Travelling is another passion and one memorable holiday was spent in Sri Lanka.  In 2019 I visited Croatia, Sicily, and the Puglia region in Italy for the Christmas market.  This year, I had to accept staying in Malta for safety reasons.

With Covid-19 work has taken a different characteristic.  Some clients come more for comfort and support than for treatment.  I feel that they need to talk to someone they really trust, and share their troubling experiences.  I have become a great listener.  Some people have grown very depressed with the strict safety measures even though they were imposed for their benefit. So I give them more of my time which helps them to relax.  I know from their feedback that they greatly appreciate this.

Every cloud has a silver lining.  Through the hardships of Covid 19, we have learnt many important lessons and that we have to take a positive attitude towards life and take nothing for granted. Hardship makes us stronger. C'est la Vie.