"When we set up the salon in 2017, our first thought was: 'How are we going to give back to the Penarth community?'"

And that's exactly what Hugo and Chanya Slorach, founders of Beauty Box on Victoria Road, have been doing.

"It started almost as soon as we arrived," Hugo tells Nub News. "We reached out to care homes and started an outreach programme in which our beauticians went out every two weeks to give residents complimentary manicures and pedicures.

"Everyone loved it. It's a myth that elderly people don't care what they look like. That's why we call it 'A Splash of Colour', because doing it really makes a difference and brings a lot of joy.

"And also, of course, older people might have medical issues that manifest themselves on their feet or hands - so we're also helping the care homes (which do a brilliant job anyway) to look out for these things."

The Beauty Box team even found a way to continue the programme during COVID, when life has been particularly tough for care home residents and staff.

"We started preparing boxes of supplies so carers in the homes could use our products and continue the service that way. It's going to be a while until we get back into the care homes so until then this will work really well."

Beauty Box has brought 'A Splash of Colour' to three Penarth care homes – MHA Morel Court, MHA Ty Gwyn and Tower Hill.

Hugo grew up in Penarth and understands the value of community spirit here. But he also says his wife's upbringing and generosity of spirit drive the programme.

"Chanya's Thai, so she's always been really community-focused. If there was something going on in the community, she has always seen that as an opportunity to 'make merit' [a Buddhist practice]. She believes strongly in Karma - if you do good things, you will be rewarded for them some day."

The couple met while Hugo was working as a software developer in Bangkok. Upon moving to Wales, they ran a Thai food shop in Cardiff before capitalising on Chanya's cosmetic background with Beauty Box. They have two young sons and live locally.

"The other thing is we know people who own a fabrics business, so during lockdown Chanya has been making handmade face masks. Our salon was closed so we pivoted to do that. We're fairly diverse."

Hugo says he can't wait to for his team to get back into the care homes once COVID restrictions relax.

"The fact that it gets the word out about our products is really just incidental. The truth is that it's really been a lot of fun to do. It feels good to give the residents a little bit of time, energy, positivity and vibrancy – and they give us great gossip in return!"

If you're in need of some TLC courtesy of Chanya and the team, book an appointment here: https://www.beautybox.ltd/