Childhood dream is still alive for Whitburn salon owner 20 years on

A childhood dream is still alive 20-years on for hairdresser Carol Richardson-Don.
Beauty salon Riva celebrates its 20th anniversary.
Owner Carol Richardson-Don with staffBeauty salon Riva celebrates its 20th anniversary.
Owner Carol Richardson-Don with staff
Beauty salon Riva celebrates its 20th anniversary. Owner Carol Richardson-Don with staff

Ever since she was three-years-old the mum-of-one was into make-up and hair styling.

It was a passion that never waivered as she grew up.

Beauty salon Riva celebrates its 20th anniversary.
Owner Carol Richardson-Don with staffBeauty salon Riva celebrates its 20th anniversary.
Owner Carol Richardson-Don with staff
Beauty salon Riva celebrates its 20th anniversary. Owner Carol Richardson-Don with staff

She eventually enrolled at South Tyneside College and by at the age of 23 had opened up her own salon in Marsden.

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The premises was small and after two years she stumbled across a venue in Whitburn more suited to her needs.

Riva was opened 20 years ago and is still going as strong.

Mrs Richardson-Don said: “It was two years before we could get it up and running. It was my dad who pushed me into getting it and it was a decision I don’t regret taking.

Beauty salon Riva celebrates its 20th anniversary.
Owner Carol Richardson-Don with staffBeauty salon Riva celebrates its 20th anniversary.
Owner Carol Richardson-Don with staff
Beauty salon Riva celebrates its 20th anniversary. Owner Carol Richardson-Don with staff

“I never thought, when I started the hairdressing course I would have my own salon at 23, or when I moved to where I am now, that I would still be here, 20 years on.

“I still remember the first day, it was sunny and everything just went so smoothly. I couldn’t believe the response I received from people, especially as I wasn’t from Whitburn.

“I just really don’t know where the time has gone.

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“I’ve been really lucky in I not only have a loyal client base, I also have loyal staff. One of the ladies, Gillian Hansen has been with me for the past 19 years.

“I’m now looking forward to see what the next 20 years will bring.”

Riva based in North Guards, Whitburn, has a team of hairdressers as well as delivering a range of beauty treatments for clients including waxing, facials, pedicures and manicures and eyelash tints.

The salon has recently started doing gel nails.

The 48-year-old, who moved to Whitburn from Rowlands Gill in Gateshead, added: “There has been a change in the hairstyles and colours people want. People are more adventurous with their colours and we have people asking for pinks and greys. People don’t seem as frightened as they once were.”

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Riva is open for hair and beauty appointments Mondays 9am til 4pm, Tuesdays 9am til 5pm,, Thursdays and Fridays 9pm til 5.30pm.

The salon opens half days on a Wednesday and Saturday.

For salon details visit Riva’s Facebook page or call 529 4606 for an appointment.