Salon in the Spotlight: GOOSE, Nottingham

By Callie Iley | 29 June 2023 | Feature, Salon & Spas

Eclectic, inclusive and filled with talented pros, GOOSE’s doors were opened in 2019 by Arabella Wildgoose, a hair & beauty specialist whose training began in 2005.

Since her initial training, Arabella has continued to collect an array of qualifications in her time in the industry, seeking training in nails, lashes, brows, make-up artistry and hairdressing. Having worked in salons from the beginning of her career, Arabella took the plunge and started GOOSE in 2019 from a small room in a salon offering a full menu of treatments.

“Little did I know that Covid was just around the corner,” she remembers. “It was a tough two years only being able to work a few weeks at a time. The beauty industry was forgotten about, but I stayed passionate and determined and it’s gotten me where I am today.”

Opening up her own salon premises in January 2023, GOOSE offers a range of nail services including gel polish, builder in a bottle overlays, L&P acrylic overlays and extensions, manicures and nail art ranging from simple to extreme, alongside hair, lash, brows and aesthetic treatments.

Arabella herself offers a range of services at GOOSE, but often tends to focus on lash and brow treatments – the two most popular treatments offered in the salon. “We use a variety of brands for different services,” she explains. “It’s important to us though that all products that we use and sell are vegan and cruelty free.”

“After being in this industry for years and working in multiple salons in the city, I have been able to see what works, what doesn’t work and what’s missing in the industry.

“I’ve always wanted to create a one stop shop for beauty – a place you can walk in and get your hair and lashes done, or your nails and a facial, or your brows and a cheeky bit of filler… Maybe even a tattoo or a tooth gem thrown in here or there! I wanted to build a creative space filled with super talented people that has a relaxed laid back feel. I feel like this just didn’t exist anywhere until GOOSE.”

The quirky space serves up a laid-back atmosphere, with photos in mismatched frames set upon olive green walls, and dark wood accents and cosy armchairs exuding a comforting feel in which clients can enjoy a treatment. “I’ve spent many, many years on my Pinterest board. I find inspiration from so many things, so it was hard to pick a theme and stick to it. I’d say GOOSE is a mix of retro, vintage, industrial, urban jungle and neon vibes.

“I wanted to create a safe space, where everyone felt welcome, which I’ve tried to reflect in my decor. We have the nicest clientele – I wouldn’t say we have a typical client, as everyone who visits is different and unique in their own way, but they’re all lovely. We’re very very lucky,” Arabella shares. “My favourite part of my set-up is the big neon GOOSE sign as you walk in, it’s a real eye-catcher.”