Inside the ‘quirky but classy’ West Yorkshire salon offering a sanctuary for nail & beauty clients
By Rebecca Hitchon | 26 April 2025 | Feature, Salon & Spas
Experienced beauty pro & educator, Narelle Wharton, shares the story of her Castleford salon, Narelle Beauty…
The first Covid lockdown hit soon after Narelle Wharton had discovered an ideal space for her salon business. Having struggled with the heat and lack of space when working from her conservatory previously, it was time for a relocation. She spent lockdown decorating the ‘quirky but classy’ premises, enlisting the help of family to get the space ready to open when permitted.
“My dad is a plumber and fitted the sinks, my husband laid the flooring, I sprayed the gold shelves and reception desk, and my aunt and uncle painted and added panelling,” she says. “April 2021 came and I was finally able to open the salon.”
Narelle boasts 20 years’ experience in the beauty industry, and became a CND™ education ambassador in 2024. She offers CND™, KUPA, Footlogix, LASHUS and Wax:One training for UK distributor, Sweet Squared, and uses the brands’ products in the salon. “I buy every CND™ colour collection, so stock around 180 Shellac™ gel polishes,” Narelle reveals. “Shellac™ treatments are the second most popular CND™ service at Narelle Beauty, following PLEXIGEL. We offer luxury CND™ Pro Skincare pedicures and the Footlogix medi pedi.”
Casey and Narelle.
The pro details that her favourite aspects of owning the salon are getting to be ‘Narelle’ outside of being a mother, seeing clients and working with employee, Casey. “Casey came to Narelle Beauty for a placement and worked so hard that I had to offer her a job,” she smiles. “She recently managed the salon while I was on maternity leave. We like to understand our clients and how they can get the best from their treatments, and aim to make each one feel relaxed and safe.”
In a year’s time, Narelle plans to close the salon and work from a converted space in her garage. “The reality is that I can no longer afford to employ or rent, as the overheads are too high,” she details. “The move will allow me to open longer hours and continue to educate for Sweet Squared. I can’t wait to get stuck into decorating the new space!”
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