Mackay’s Wood Street spa closes after five years of business

A Mackay CBD beauty salon is set to close its doors within days after five years in business. DETAILS

Kylie Smythe, owner and operator of Pure Harmony, has made the difficult decision to close up shop after experiencing burnout. Photo: Fergus Gregg

Another Mackay city centre storefront will be empty by the end of the week as a small-business owner sells her stock and packs up shop.

Pure Harmony Skin and Beauty, a Wood Street Beauty Salon and Spa will close because of staff shortages, says an overworked businesses owner.

Kylie Smythe, who started the beauty salon seven years ago in her home’s spare room, was clearing out her shopfront just after 1pm on Monday.

Disappointed that she had been unable to find someone to take on the business, Mrs Smythe had to sell her equipment and stock in pieces.

“It has been a fantastic business journey,” Mrs Smythe said.

“I had plenty of business and some really loyal clients who had been with me over the years.”

Mrs Smythe lists the main cause of her having to shut down as burnout.

“It’s a massive job, especially when you’re working on your own,” she said.

Pure Harmony, located across the street from Coco Cubano, will be closing its doors for the last time. Photo: Fergus Gregg

Pure Harmony offered pedicures, skin peels, eyelash trimming, waxing, body scrubs and hot stone massages, almost all of which was done by Kylie, as she experienced difficulty in finding employees.

“I just wasn’t able to find qualified beauty therapists.”

This comes amid the ongoing labour crisis with business owners and developers often unable to find skilled or unskilled labour.

This shortage has spelled the end of Kylie’s time in beauty therapy, as she looks to move into either aged care or disability support work.

“Support is on the nurturing side.” she said happily.

This will be a return to form for Mrs Smythe, who had previously worked in childcare and aged care.

But before starting down a new path, she’s looking forward to a long-awaited holiday on Magnetic Island with her husband.

It is unclear if any business will be taking over Pure Harmony’s Wood Street location anytime soon.