Welcome to our latest business focus. Today it's time for some pampering as we talk with Carly Nielsenbeck who, when not waxing hairy brutes for charity at the Court House Hotel, operates Possum's Beauty from her home in Port Gardens.

The Newsport: Tell us about your business, Carly.

Carly Nieslsenbeck: Possum's offers all beauty treatments from waxing and tinting, to manicure and pedicure, facials, spray tanning, make-up and mobile pamper parties.  I use Alpha-H Glycolic products as my preferred skin care range.

TN: When was your business established?

CN: I started Possum's in 2006 on the Gold Coast, then in 2008 when I relocated to Port.

TN: What spurred you on to start the business? 

CN: I had always wanted to work for myself and run my own business.  I love the freedom that comes with it.  I'm qualified in a number of practices and I really enjoy helping people relax and to feel good about themselves and also to help educate people of the importance of living a holistic lifestyle.

TN: Are any of your products or services you offer unique or exclusive to your business?

CN: I offer a treatment which is a back exfoliation with sea salts and essential oils followed by a massage.  It isn't a regular treatment at most salons so I'd like to say it is unique to Possum's.  My spray tanning is a really great brand as I spent many months researching it and mainly from many years of being a sprayee myself. I wanted to find one that was natural and didn't go orange!  I am proud to say that my spray tans look really natural and don't go orange, and the feedback I get is positive!

My facials really are "deluxe" as I go above and beyond to really take my client to their ultimate relaxed place.  I have done my research over the years, having treatments here and there to really tweak my facials to be one of the best on the market.  The difference with Possum's is that you will always get quality treatments and value for money each time. 
 
TN: Where are you from originally? 

CN: I was born and bred in Tassie, where I lived until I was 22.  I then moved to the Gold Coast for six years until I made the move up here two years ago.

TN: What are your aims and ambitions for your business? 

CN: Possum's will be a bigger salon in the future.  It is my dream to run a salon with staff and to achieve my goals of having my own shop.  I really enjoy what I do now but I need to constantly challenge myself which means there may be some new treatments coming to Possum's in the new year!

TN: Do you have any special offers or loyalty programs?

CN: Yes, I have a spray tanning loyalty card. After four sprays you get your fifth one free.  I also have a client referral program, the more people you refer the more you get in treatments at Possum's. 

TN: Do you have any funny stories about your business or your customers ?

CN: I do, but due to client confidentiality I'm not telling.  Sorry.

TN: How can people find you?

CN: I'm located in Brolga Street in Port Gardens. Easy peasy. But people can call for an appointment on 07 4098 5637 or check out my website www.possumsbeauty.com.

TN: Is there anything else you'd like to tell our readers? 

CN: I put 110% into everything I do.  It's my business, therefore it's my responsibility.  My client's are the most important part of my business and as long as they are happy and keep coming back, then my business will be successful. Having a good rapport with my client is just as important as being a good beauty therapist.