Salon in the Spotlight: Gels by Lucy, Hartlepool

Halo VIP Lucy Woodward works from a cabin in her home, valuing the privacy the space affords her and her clients.

“I work alone in my space which I love, I manage my own appointments and have no one to rely on,” she explains. “My clients know anything they say or do in their appointment is between us and I love that about my job, I feel you can build such a good relationship when it’s 1-to-1.”

“I decorated the salon to my taste and love how personal it feels to me. I have gifts in there that my friends bought from other small businesses, and I redecorate as my taste changes.

“I think my salon setup is unique because I don’t actually know anyone that works at home in the way I do. Most people I know are in an actual salon or a house, I have my own space and can still be near home.”

“I offer gel nails, and I’d say I specialise in nail art as this is the main thing I’d say makes my work stand out. I use a builder gel in the majority of my sets, my clients love it as their natural nails can grow so quickly with it – more room for designs!

“Everything I use is from Pure Nails, I’m a VIP for them so my clients get discount when they use my code and they often share my work to their socials,” Lucy smiles. “I love their colour range and their builder gel is probably my most loved product by me and my clients!”

“I think my decor has an influence on how my new clients feel when initially booking an appointment with me. It can be nerve wracking going somewhere new, and I feel like sometimes salons that put a lot of pressure on presentation can be daunting.

“Although I do like how mine looks, I like having a relaxed vibe overall. I keep everything clean and that’s the main thing.”

“My clients – and myself – often come in with no makeup on, comfy clothes on and wet hair and can feel at ease in a cosy space.”

“I’d describe my decor as quite sophisticated. I’ve had light colours in the past which have been lovely, but during lockdown I decided I wanted some more calming, mature colours,” she reveals. “I love the ones I used and was really glad when it came together, it took ages doing it on my own!

“I think my favourite part is my comfy chair that I use for pedicures. It came second hand from a cocktail bar we have here and it has a cool rustic look to it.”

Follow Lucy on Instagram, here.