Salon in the Spotlight: Nails at The Oaks, Great Oakley, Essex
By Rebecca Hitchon | 06 June 2024 | Feature, Salon & Spas
Paisley Barendrecht shares how she came to own home salon, Nails at The Oaks, offering Beverly Hills-inspired escapism to clients…
Having two children in the space of less than two years changed Paisley Barendrecht’s outlook on her career. Rather than returning to an office job after maternity leave, she decided to embark on a career that incorporated her passion of beauty and worked around her family life. “I have always loved getting my nails done, so it seemed like a no-brainer to enrol on a nail course,” she tells Scratch. “I qualified in February 2023 and set up my business straight away. Initially, I worked from my kitchen table, but quickly realised I needed a long-term solution. My husband works in a garden office, so I knew I could create my own space.”
Within a month of the studio being ordered, Paisley was welcoming clients into the space, and notes that her vision couldn’t have been brought to life without her parents. “My dad insulated and boarded the salon, hung the wallpaper, laid the flooring and installed the shelves, and my mum did the painting,” she smiles. “I wanted the studio to have The Beverly Hills Hotel vibes and feel like a safe, non-judgmental and fun space where clients can relax and switch off from the outside world. I love the pink and green colour scheme, and the main features are the palm print wallpaper and ‘good vibes only’ neon sign. For years, I worked in plain, corporate offices with no life and knew that I didn’t want my own workspace to feel like that.”
Paisley offers gel polish and builder gel treatments to her clients, who range from mums to retirees and neighbours who visit the studio in their pyjamas. “At first, I was offering L&P acrylic treatments, but have decided to focus more on natural nail health and overlays this year,” she explains. “Builder gel is my most popular treatment, and it’s so rewarding helping clients grow their natural nails to achieve the nails of their dreams. It also makes for incredible before and after pictures!” The pro uses the Glitterbels brand, noting their extensive and ever-growing range of products and support network.
“One of my favourite aspects of the salon is my drink bar,” says Paisley. “I use branded cups and offer a variety of teas and coffees, as well as complimentary pick ‘n’ mix jars. At Christmas time, I offered mince pies and gingerbread lattes, which were a huge hit.” Striving to make her clients’ pampering experiences as welcoming and special as possible, the pro offers silent appointments and has recently launched children’s party packages.
Looking to the future, Paisley is excited, having been announced as a finalist in the UK Hair and Beauty Awards 2024 for the Best Home Salon and Best Gel Nails categories. She describes finding out the news on the week of her first anniversary as a nail business owner as a ‘pinch me moment’. “I’m so excited for the finals and have everything crossed to place in the top 50,” she beams. “It has given me drive and determination to keep learning and creating!”