Salon in the Spotlight: LB Beauty, Hathersage, Peak District
By Lilly Delmage | 17 July 2024 | Feature, Salon & Spas
Libby Bramley, the beauty therapist behind LB Beauty, invites us inside her ‘clean, warm and cosy’ salon, located in the Peak District.
Having always known she wanted to work within the beauty industry, the pro jumped straight into training in Beauty and Spa Therapy at college, before qualifying in 2018. She spent the next two years working in a spa providing facials and massages, not only gaining additional qualifications, but also growing in confidence.
Post-COVID lockdowns, Libby realised it was time to take a leap, deciding to take on her own salon. She says: “I’m so glad and grateful I decided to do this, and I’ve not looked back since! I feel like you work even harder when you are self-employed, but it’s totally worth it.”
Luckily, as a previous estate agents, her chosen salon space required little renovation. Libby explains: “It didn’t need much doing to it. I installed a sink and some cupboards, applied a lick of paint and the space was ready.
“My salon’s colour scheme is pink and green. I think these colours make it clean, warm and cosy. The arch on the wall where the polishes are is a key feature.
“The feeling I’m trying to create is that of a warm, welcoming salon, where clients feel comfortable and relaxed.”
LB Beauty’s location in Hathersage, the Peak District, is easily accessible via public transport, with a bus stop conveniently placed just across from the salon.
The pro encourages clients to make a day trip out of appointments, explaining how the town is an idyllic spot ‘to go for food or a drink after an appointment, as there’s lots of cafes and pubs in the village’.
LB Beauty offers an array of nail treatments, consisting of:
- L&P acrylic extensions
- Halo PoliBuild extensions
- Gel polish and builder gel services
- Manicures and pedicures
- Gel polish pedicures
“Builder gel is really popular in the salon, as I love to encourage natural nail growth,” says the salon owner.
In terms of nail products within the salon, the tech uses the Halo range from Pure Nails. Her L&P acrylic choice is CJP Nail Systems, and she notes: “I love working with the brand, as it’s great to apply, and there’s so many different acrylic colours and different types of monomer to choose from.”
LB Beauty also boasts other beauty services: a key factor which Libby believes makes the salon unique. She relays: “I offer treatments from spray tans, waxing and tinting to wedding make-up, and I hope to offer more treatments in future!”
The salon’s standout feature lies in a cupboard at the back of the space. Libby reveals: “I think my spray tan booth is unique. It’s actually a walk-in cupboard, so it is much easier to navigate than putting a tent up and down. Once I’ve finished tanning, I can simply clean the booth and shut the door. The booth has gloss on the walls, which is wipeable, and lino on the floor, which is easy to mop. There’s a light at the top so it’s really bright, and I have a fan in the back for any fumes to exit.”
Libby’s favourite part of the salon is the huge window which lets in daylight, giving the salon a brighter and bigger feel. “My pedi station is right next to the window – perfect for clients to look out at the views of the Peak District,” she says.
“I also love my lash bed, which I place lots of blankets on, including a cosy heated blanket: perfect for a lash nap!”
Currently a team of one, Libby sets her sights on building a bigger team of therapists in the future. She also holds an interest in teaching, and hopes to own a beauty training school.