Community & Business
8 January, 2025
BEST OF 2024: Tingles celebrates 15 years
Tingles Massage and Beauty, a cherished fixture in the Gilgandra community, celebrated 15 years.
First published December 4, 2024.
Tingles Massage and Beauty, a cherished fixture in the Gilgandra community, is celebrating 15 years of providing exceptional beauty and wellness services. Owned and operated by Cynthia Anderson, the business has grown and evolved, becoming a hub for relaxation and connection in the area.
Reflecting on this milestone, Cynthia shared the origins of her journey. "15-years-ago, I was working part-time and helping a friend who was stepping away to have her baby. She suggested I take over the business, and though I was scared, I decided to give it a shot," she explained. "It’s been a whirlwind ever since."
Located in Miller Street, Tingles has continued to expand over the years and more recently moved (next door) to a larger premises to accommodate more clients and services. "The new location allowed us to offer a wider range of treatments and even take on our apprentice, Olivia Schier," she said. The addition of modern beauty technologies, like IPL treatments and teeth whitening, she reflects her commitment to staying current in the ever-evolving beauty industry.
One of the keys to Tingles' success, Cynthia believes, is her genuine love for people. "I enjoy connecting with my clients, whether they're longtime locals or new faces in town. This isn’t just about beauty treatments - it’s about building trust and offering a safe space for people to relax and open up," she noted.
Cynthia admits that the work can sometimes go beyond the expected. "In this line of work, you often become an incidental counsellor," she said. "Clients share personal stories, and while it’s rewarding, it can be challenging. Over the years, I've even looked into workshops to better support them emotionally."
Despite the challenges of staffing and balancing personal time, Cynthia remains committed to her craft. "There have been moments when it’s just me running everything, but I love what I do. This business is an extension of who I am," she said.
Her dedication extends beyond the salon walls. Cynthia occasionally brings her services to clients who can’t visit in person and goes the extra mile during busy times like the holidays. She also conducts regular visits to Cooee Lodge and the Gilgandra hospital. "One Christmas morning, someone called me about a forgotten gift voucher [at 4am or so]," she recalled. Cynthia then met them at the salon at 7:30am - to make sure they had it in time. “You do what you can help people out,” she said.
Looking back, Cynthia expressed her gratitude to the community that has supported Tingles Massage and Beauty. "Gilgandra has been so kind and generous over the years. Without the loyalty of my clients, this wouldn’t have been possible," she said.
As she celebrates 15 years, Cynthia isn’t sure what the next chapter will hold, but for now, she’s enjoying the journey. "I love what I do, and as long as I can, I’ll keep doing it," she said with a smile.
