FOR eight years this mum has worked day and night to achieve her dream of opening her own salon – but it could all be gone overnight thanks to a mindless burglary.
Former dancer Hayley Johnson, 33, broke down in tears when she walked into The Salon, on Brighowgate, at 8.20am yesterday to find that thieves had broken a window, stolen £200 from the till – and more than £2,000 worth of beauty products.
They took huge cases of expensive OPI and Gel nail varnishes, bridal make-up and Virgin Vie at Home stock – and even took the sheet from her beauty bar, probably used to carry all the products.
Devastated Hayley, who had opened the salon three months ago, has had to cancel appointments for the next three days – worth at least £300 to her – and now has no idea if she will ever be able to get back to work.
"It makes me so angry that they can walk in here and ruin everything I have worked so hard for, without a thought of the effects it could have – this business is my life," she said.
Hayley had worked all over the world as a dancer and choreographer for a decade but settled down around eight years ago with her husband and retrained as a beautician.
She has run a mobile salon ever since, sometimes putting in more than 12 hours a day – all the time spending the profits on expensive but essential products and putting money aside to save up for her dream salon.
In December, Hayley and friend Natali Lawson finally took a risk and opened The Salon – despite stale economic conditions – putting everything they had into the business, relying on help from friends and family to refurbish the building.
Hayley added: "I was so happy when we opened and it took everything we had.
"We were finally clawing our way out of the overdraft.
"Overnight, it's all gone and I could have to start all over again to build up everything I have worked so hard for.
"I've had to cancel all my appointments and I won't be able to work again until my insurance comes through – and that's if I'm covered.
"If I'm not, I won't be able to replace the equipment because I put everything I had into opening the salon.
"It's just so frustrating because what is worth a pittance to them is my livelihood."
Hayley has appealed for anyone who knows anything to come forward and call Humberside Police.
"If someone tries to flog you anything that could be from the salon, please let the police know – this job is my life," she added.
A spokesman for Humberside Police said: "Police were called at 8.34am in connection with a commercial burglary at The Salon, Brighowgate, in Grimsby.
"Enquiries are currently ongoing to establish the circumstances of the incident."
Call police
If you know anything about the burglary, please call Humberside Police on 101, quoting log number 98 of March 7.
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