This month, The Listing is proud to feature Jo Hardman (Guiver), who is celebrating an incredible 30 years in business in 2026!
Jo lives in Therfield and is the owner of Essential Beauty in the Corn Exchange, Royston, and is proud to be Royston’s longest-established beauty salon owner.
Jo first started her business in a room above Taylor’s Hairdressing, which is now the bike shop on Royston High Street. She later moved to John Street, where the business really began to flourish. During this time, a work-experience student, Katharine Moore, joined her for two weeks and became Jo’s first employee, going on to work alongside her for the next 15 years.
After Katharine left, Jo relocated to the Corn Exchange and the business continued to grow. In 2014, following the sad loss of her mother, Jo decided it was time to simplify her life. Balancing a growing business with two young children became overwhelming, so she chose to scale back. She moved to her current salon premises in Royston Corn Exchange and returned to working independently.
Today, Jo operates with one treatment room and a reception area – a set-up she truly loves and one that allows her to continue providing a personal, dedicated service to her clients.
We would like to extend our congratulations to Jo for running a successful business for 30 years – here’s to many more years of success ahead!
What do you particularly like about running your business in Royston?
I love working in Royston as everyone knows each other and there’s a real community spirit. A lot of my clients have been coming since the beginning and I’m now treating their children and grand children!
What’s your favourite local place to eat?
My favourite place to eat is either The Jolly Postie or Ashiana Spice, Between Buns is really good too. We’re lucky to have lots of choice in the town.
Your favourite local shop?
My favourite shops are definitely the charity shops! I love to have a good rummage and you never know what you might come across.
What do you love about your work?
What I love most about my work is my clients. I’ve met some really interesting people over the years. I love finding out about people’s lives and basically I get to chat all day.
When I’m not working, I force myself out of bed at 5am 3 mornings a week to do CrossFit at the Heath, luckily it’s inside so I don’t have to worry about the weather. I’m not sure I enjoy it but I’ve been doing it for 10 years and it helps keep me sane! I also enjoy Pilates with Cathryn Jaffray. Her classes are amazing!
What is your favourite way to spend a Saturday?
My favourite way to spend a Saturday is having the day off. I’ve worked Saturdays since I was 14 and every year I say I’m going to only do one a month, but it’s just too busy!
I absolutely love dogs, probably more than humans! I have two, Willow and Woody, and enjoy walking them around Therfield. There’s so many lovely walks to choose from around here, I’m so lucky to have lived here all my life.
What is your proudest moment?
My proudest moment is starting my business, never thinking that I’d still be doing it 30 years later! And undoubtedly, having my 2 daughters, Lulabelle who’s 17 and Maisie who’s 15. I’m not sure if they’ll follow in my footsteps but there’s still time!
What inspirational quote sums you up?
‘Everything happens for a reason’
Essential Beauty, The Corn Exchange, Market Hill, Royston SG8 9JR
Call Jo 07790 559 685 – FB @Essential.Beauty.Royston
