"After 36 years, it's time for me to step back."

Shelley Foster (Jamele Owner) with Kirsty Martin (Newly Appointed Clinic Manager)

It’s time for me to step back.

I feel a mixture of sadness and excitement as I announce that after 36 years I am stepping back and handing over the day-to-day running of Jamele Skincare to the lovely Kirsty Martin. I will continue as business owner but Kirsty will oversee much of the clinic management from January 2022.

A family legacy

Jamele Skincare has been in my family since my mother bought a struggling little clinic on January 17th, 1986 and transformed it into the respected, professional skincare clinic it has been for the last 36 years.

It’s been a wonderful business and I’m very proud of what we have created together. In recent years, Mum encouraged me to step back from the clinic and have more time to ‘smell the roses’, but the long term relationships I had built with my amazing clients made it hard to let go.

When my beloved mum passed away in Feb last year, something shifted for me. And then when Kay, my receptionist of 15 years, close friend and rock I rely on in the clinic announced her retirement I realised that it was time for me to step back too.

Kirsty is stepping up to manage Jamele.

Kirsty is the closest thing I have to a daughter! (Jeff and I having five sons between us) With her 18-year relationship with Jamele I know she is the right person to carry on my mother’s legacy. The ethos and philosophy of Jamele is written into her DNA.

She is truly passionate about skin care and health and  nutrition.  She is incredibly knowledgeable in all the product ranges and will be able to guide the team in their training, continuing the high standard of care.

What’s next for me?

I’ll be floating around in the background, supporting Kirsty and overseeing the business side of things. But I’m looking forward to spending more time with my hubby Jeff. We have always been ridiculously busy and have seldom travelled New Zealand. I’m looking forward to exploring the South Island and visiting Whangarei more often to visit our grandies. 

I know I will miss the wonderful conversations I have enjoyed with my clients, ranging from politics to Covid and to some very personal sharings. I have had some amazing clients. I wish you all the very best. You can rest assured Jamele will be in good hands with Kirsty managing the clinic.

A Note from Kirsty

“I’m looking forward to carrying on the Jamele ethos that is so respected in our community. Shelley and Pat have built a business with consistently high standards when it comes to beauty therapy and skin health.  They taught me that a nurturing, caring environment is vital and many of our clients say Jamele feels like a sanctuary or retreat away from the stresses of everyday living.  

I have huge respect for Shelley, she has always been a caring, understanding boss. Nothing is a bother and she always remains calm, approachable and kind. She is generous and thoughtful and hugely supportive in all aspects of the staff members’ lives. I hope I can continue to grow the great team spirit we have at Jamele and the relaxed but professional atmosphere the clients feel when they walk through the door.”