Salon in the Spotlight: Hollie Barker Nail Artist, Castleford, West Yorkshire

When the nation went into lockdown in March, salon owner, Hollie Barker, was forced to close her business’ doors – before they’d even opened. Completed just one week before the restrictions were enforced, her new summerhouse had to wait for its big reveal.

“My studio was built from scratch; it started with planks of wood piled up in my garden,” Holly laughs. “I remember looking at it thinking ‘What am I doing?’ as I couldn’t picture what it was going to look like.

Hollie Barker

“I initially started in my spare room after my boyfriend and I had bought our first house together, but I started to find there was no work/home life balance, I could never really switch off from work. My house didn’t feel like home anymore. That’s when I made the decision to buy a log cabin for my garden, I love that it’s still on my door step but separate from my house!

“I currently offer gel polish manicures and pedicures, along with spray tans. I would like to think in the future I can add more treatments to my list, but I just love nails!! I could do nails all day everyday if I could!

“In terms of the décor, I wanted to be ‘that salon with the spots’ and be remembered for having a picture-perfect place. I think the decor also plays a huge part in someone’s visit. I love that from the outside you see a plain log cabin, but as soon as you walk in, you’re hit with character and its warm, welcoming vibe.

“I think my decor gives off a very fun bubbly vibe with a bit of glam and sophistication. I am a very fun and bubbly person so I think my own personality really shows through how I’ve presented my space.”

Since opening back up, the new studio has been a big hit, Holly concludes: “Everyone has loved it so far!”

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