Navigating Diagnosis & Treatment While Running a Salon

When you run your own business, life doesn't simply pause when something unexpected happens.

Over the past months, I've been navigating one of the most challenging chapters of my life, balancing a health diagnosis, ongoing treatment, and the emotional roller-coaster that comes alongside it, all whilst still running my salon and training academy.

To be completely honest, there were moments where i questioned how i would continue. As salon owners, we often become the heart of the business. We are the therapist, the trainer, the receptionist, the cleaner, the social media manage and usually the last person to put ourselves first.

One of the hardest decisions i had to make was stepping back from the salon floor more than i ever have before. Physically, treatment meant i simply couldn't maintain the pace i once did every single day. Mentally, it forced me to rethink what "success" looked like for me and my business.

But sometimes, stepping back in one area allows growth in another.

Whilst reducing some hands-on treatment hours, i began focusing more energy into other aspects of the business that i had dreamed of expanding for years. I spent time developing my training academy, improving my website, creating new accredited courses, building digital resources, and planning for the future of All About You in ways i never previously had time for.

In a strange way this taught me that business growth does not always have to look loud, fast, or perfect. Sometimes growth happens quietly behind the scenes - through resilience, adaption, learning, and simply refusing to give up on something you've worked so hard to build.

There have been difficult days, Days filled with exhaustion, uncertainty, hospital appointments, and trying to keep everything together whilst still showing up professionally for clients and students. But there have also been beautiful reminders of how supportive people can be. The kindness from clients, students, family, friends, and this local community has meant more to me than i can possibly put into words

Running a salon has always been about more than beauty treatments for me. It has always been about creating a safe, calming space where people feel cared for. Going through my own challenges has only deepened that understanding even more.

As i continue treatment and recovery, I'm also continuing to build, Slowly, carefully, and with a new perspective on balance, well-being, and what truly matters.

If there's one thing this journey has taught me, It's that strength doesn't always look like pushing through at full speed. Sometimes It's asking for help, Sometimes it's resting. And sometimes It's rebuilding parts of your life and business in a completely different way than you originally planned.

To anyone else currently navigating personal struggles whilst trying to hold together a business, a career, or family life - please know you are not alone.

And to everyone who has continued supporting All About You through this chapter....thank you. Truly

Lorraine x