Salon in the Spotlight: The Beauty Shop, Southend-on-Sea

Created to promote a sense of self-care, The Beauty Shop was opened by Courtney Smith four years ago. “We are planet conscious, vegan-friendly and cruelty-free salon,” Courtney states. “Our strap line is ‘more than just a pretty face’, reflecting the fact that beauty isn’t about vanity but so much more. We acknowledge that focusing on selfcare creates self-worth, leading to empowerment and positive vibes in our client’s lives. Our treatments are very much experience-led also focusing on the aftercare needed in between salon visits creating the balanced selfcare lifestyle for our clients.

“I want to promote a work and life balanced lifestyle. Not only for our clients but the team as well. I become more conscious and no longer wanted to use highly packaged products, without the cruelty-free and vegan-friendly markers. Over the last two years, we have carefully researched to find natural based products that would still give head turning results.”

“It was a big risk to change all our product lines.”

“A lot of our current clients were sceptical, and it was a big risk to change all our product lines,” explains Courtney. “The pressure was on. Wowing our clients with our new bright and fun branding, adapted treatments, new natural-based products and added ethos, the salon was taken to the next level bringing in new clients as well as current ones. It has been a massive success.”

“Seeing our current salon as the planet conscious prototype, I wish to expand out with more salons spreading the selfcare message. In the near future we want to create a training academy to give back, training therapist using cruelty-free products. Getting more involved with the local community to support selfcare campaigns.

With three team members, the salon offers a varied treatment menu Courtney explains. “We offer all the core beauty treatments: general and intimate waxing, manicure, pedicures, lash and brow treatments and facials and also have some holistic elements to the salon for deep relaxation. We also have different types of massages and meditation.

“In terms of brands, we currently, EarthZest organics as we love to support local, but we also carry Skinny Tan, Bio Sculpture, Evo by Bio Sculpture, Jax Wax, Reflectocil and Spa Ritual polishes.”

“The salon gives out a confident, cute and fun vibe.”

To create a welcoming environment, the salon sees a bright and cheery colour scheme. “I wanted the salon to be bold and bright with fierce confidence,” Courtney explains. “As the salon tackles heavy subjects like becoming planet conscious and inspiring people to take charge of their lives, we didn’t want the overall look to be too serious.

“For our treatment rooms we went a little softer, creating a peaceful retreat. The lighter warmer colours in the treatment rooms, create a peaceful, private and relaxing atmosphere, helping our client feel more comfortable for treatments such as intimate waxing or massages.

“The powerful pink surrounding the nail desk and entrance of the salon gives out a confident, cute and fun vibe.”

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