Salon in the Spotlight: LEAF Beauty, Stoke on Trent
By Callie Iley | 26 May 2022 | Feature, Salon & Spas
Working in a spa up until 2017, Zoe Cook made the decision to go self-employed, spending the first three years as a makeup artist in the wedding industry.
“I was inspired by my own nail artist to expand and do more, and that’s exactly what I did!”
“In January 2020, I worked from home specialising in nail growth journeys. I kept my client base small, but soon found I needed to move from my home into something bigger,” she recalls. “Not only would this increase my client base, but I would be able to offer additional treatments which I missed doing during my time working in a spa, and it would be a huge asset to assist my make up artistry clients.
“In March 2022, myself and husband invested in a bespoke cabin and set to work at expanding my business. It took around four weeks. I have rebranded the business, which is where LEAF Beauty was born.”
“LEAF Beauty was named by using the initials of each of my children – Liliana, Edward, Arabella and Francesca,” Zoe beams. “They’re the little people in my life that inspire me to do better and work harder.
“When creating the décor for the cabin, it was important to me to create a calming space. I wanted my cabin to be almost spa-like, which would allow me to offer more than ‘just a service’ – I wanted to create an experience.”
“I want every client that comes through my door to feel like a VIP.”
“I’ve chosen beige colours and used wooden features with plants to bring the outside in, to give that natural, calming environment,” she smiles. “This also reflects in how my clients feel during treatments.
“Every brand and product I use has been meticulously trialed and chosen by myself to ensure a luxury service.”
“I currently offer nail growth journeys very successfully, using IBX treatments, INK London and Navy Professional. These products teamed together enable me to educate and help my clients help grow their natural nails and provide a long lasting service.
“I have also introduced Juliette Armand facials as well as hybrid and henna brows,” Zoe shares. “When researching for a facial brand, there were a number of things I was looking for, however results driven was my top priority. Juliette Armand is not available in other salons local to myself, which was also another factor to consider.”
“Setting myself aside and making my salon different to other salons in the area, whilst ensuring high level of quality ingredients that worked and excellent brand values was really important to me.”
“I have chosen The Secret Brow club to use for my henna and hybrid brows. I am absolutely thrilled with the results I have been able to achieve so far.
“I team this with Sienna X wax to finish,” she explains. “This all works together to create a flawless, long-lasting brow.”
“I am still offering my make up artistry appointments and working within the wedding industry, but LEAF Beauty is a beautiful place to hold trials and special occasion make up,” Zoe reveals. “Often, clients will then return to me, taking advantage of the other treatments available.
“I am always on the look out for new innovative products and services, as my treatment list continues to grow. It’s been a hard journey to get to where I am now, but I remained positive and determined to succeed despite the pandemic.”