Cleopatra's Chatham

MEDWAY | This Is Community ❤️

I go on about Medway a lot. I talk about our community, what it is, what it could be, and most importantly, the people who quietly make it what it is.

And yes, I know Medway has its challenges. Every town does. I’m not ignorant of them and I’m certainly not in denial. But I consciously choose to also see and speak about the good. The kindness. The humanity. The community.
Let me give you an example.

Many years ago, when Cleopatra’s had just moved to 299 Chatham High Street, there were young people who would come into the salon. Sometimes they came with friends, sometimes they would just pop in, hang out and chat. We talked about life, aspirations and everything happening around us the good, the bad and the ugly.

One of those young men was Ian.
I hadn’t seen Ian for years and believed he had moved away. Then recently, I spotted him passing through Chatham High Street. I waved, he recognised me, and before long we were having a little chinwag. “How are you? What are you doing now?” I told him that we had moved and were now at 25 Military Road.

And that was that.
Or so I thought.
On Saturday 12th September, I arrived at work early, as I normally do, around 7:30-8am. I was so focused on getting inside and starting what I needed to do that I barely paid attention to two men sitting opposite the building.

Before I had even switched the lights on, there was a knock at the door.
It was Ian.
“You didn’t even look up at the building, did you?”

Nope. 😂

When I finally looked up, I understood.
There had been grass, shrubs and even small trees growing around parts of the guttering and concrete above the premises. Ian had noticed it when he passed the building and could see that, if left, it could potentially cause damage.
So he came back.
Not alone, either. He brought his stepfather, a ladder and everything they needed.
And then he told me they had been there since FIVE O’CLOCK on Saturday morning clearing it all.

I hadn't asked him.
I hadn't mentioned the problem.
I hadn't asked once, let alone twice.

He simply saw something that needed doing and did it.
And THIS is what I mean when I talk about community.

Community isn't always a funded project. It isn't always an organised event, a strategy, a meeting or a big announcement. Sometimes community is noticing that somebody needs a hand and saying, “I can help with that.”

What Ian and his stepfather did wasn't simply for me or for Cleopatra’s. They helped look after a building that is being developed as a space for the wider community. Every person who walks through those doors ultimately benefits when somebody chooses to contribute to looking after it.

And there was something quite special about the full-circle moment for me too. A young man who used to come into Cleopatra’s all those years ago is now out there building his own path through Routledge Renovations and years later, without being asked, he came back and gave something to the place and community where our paths first crossed.

That is Medway too.
So however many negative posts I see about Medway and some of those frustrations are absolutely real I will continue to tell these stories too.
I consciously choose to see the beauty in people, the beauty in kindness and the beauty in people looking out for one another.
Because sometimes the very best of a community isn't found in statistics, headlines or strategies.

Sometimes it's simply two men, a ladder and a 5am Saturday morning.
Thank you, Ian. And please thank your stepdad from me too. You genuinely touched my heart.
This is community. This is Medway. ❤️

Cleopatra's Legacy CIC 💜

That feeling when you get your hair done is magic ✨

We are responding to messages and back open tomorrow.

Please be advised that Cleopatra’s will be closed from the afternoon of Thursday 30 July as we prepare for the the funeral of our beloved brother.

Upcoming hours:
Thursday 30th July - AFTERNOON CLOSED
Friday 31st July: CLOSED
Saturday 1st August: CLOSED
Sunday & Monday 2nd & 3rd August: CLOSED (non-opening days)
Tuesday 4th August: REOPENING as normal

On behalf of Desiree and Candice, we ask for your continued grace as we take this time to grieve. We kindly ask to please respect that our responses to messages and calls will be much slower during this period.

Thank you for your patience, blessings, understanding, and support. 🤍

For over 18 years, Cleopatra's has been built on one thing above everything else: trust.

Recently, a number of people have contacted us after visiting our former premises, believing we had simply moved next door due to the building works. Others have told us they have been approached on social media after following our pages and encouraged to use another business instead.

We would like to reassure everyone that Cleopatra's Beauti Spot has officially moved to our new premises at 25 Military Road, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4JG. We have not rebranded, and we are continuing to serve our community from our new location. If you are ever unsure, please contact us directly through our official page or telephone number.

Whilst every business has the right to grow and attract clients, that growth should be built on integrity, professionalism and respect - not confusion or misrepresentation.

Medway is a wonderfully diverse community with enough opportunity for all of us to succeed through our own hard work. Healthy competition helps businesses grow; misleading customers does not.

To every client who has called, messaged or come to find us because you knew something didn't seem right—thank you. Your loyalty over the past 18 years means more than words can express. We don't take your trust for granted, and we never will.

Please continue to support local businesses that build their reputation through honesty, authenticity and genuine care for the communities they serve.

📍 Our new home:
Cleopatra's Beauti Spot & Cleopatra's Legacy CIC
25 Military Road
Chatham
Kent
ME4 4JG
01634 843608

Thank you for continuing to support us on this journey. Your trust, loyalty and love are the reason we've proudly served our community for over 18 years, and we look forward to welcoming you to our new home. 💜

Starting next Tuesday at St John's Chatham free adventure golf ⛳ in collaboration with Rochester Bridge Trust