Market optimism reflected in Roma business expansion

ROMA'S Janelle Stanford is one of the business owners that has welcomed expansion at the start of the new financial year.

NEW: Kimberly Thomas, Robyn Clark, owner Janelle Stanford, Wendy Weier and Mandi Sainty at the opening of Roma Therapeutics. Picture: Alexia Austin

ROMA'S Janelle Stanford is one of the business owners who has welcomed expansion at the start of the new financial year.

Ms Stanford, who has run her own massage therapy business for years, decided the time was right to implement her vision - growing her staff and investing in a permanent store location.

Her store, Roma Therapeutics, opened at its McDowall St location on Monday.

"I first started doing massage back in 1986, and I have continued it ever since,” Ms Stanford said.

"I have had a vision over the last decade to expand.

"I have a lot of knowledge and skills that I would love to impart to others but I needed the room and the staff.

"Since I have been working with council I have been a bit busy, and I have been splitting my time with working as a nurse at the local hospital, but I have always loved alternate therapies, it was just about finding the balance.”

Ms Stanford said there was a high demand for holistic treatments in the region, and the potential economic depression in the region not impacting on her decision.

"We have had an awesome opening day, bar a few hours we were completely full,” Ms Stanford said.

"I think with any business it is a huge commitment to extend out.

"I have hired locally, creating some job opportunities, and that had a great run-on effect for both business and the community.

"It's great because it's people that others around town know, so that already creates a level of trust with clients and helps get the word out.

"I'm happy to be able to offer residents a choice.”

Ms Stanford already has plans to expand the business further, with the opening week bolstering her confidence in the market.

"Once we have the massage section set up, we are looking to do some animal therapies,” she said.

"At the beginning we will focus on homoeopathic remedies for smaller animals, and then we will expand to horses and larger animals.”