Miss Unique Beauty Salon: Your Destination for Beauty, Luxury and Relaxation

I don’t know about you, but some days it feels like life is an impossible juggling act (which I can’t seem to master!).

Even when I have a day off work, I still seem to be busy! Whether I am catching up on life admin, tidying the house or finally tackling my endless to-do list, it sometimes feel like I don’t get a moment to sit down and take a breath.

When was the last time you took time for yourself? I don’t mean putting a face mask on whilst catching up on emails (been there, done that!) – I mean time away from the screens, our endless to-do lists and group chats!

I recently caught up with Louise Griffin, the Owner of Miss Unique Beauty Salon, and Chloe Elliott, the Salon’s Supervisor, to discover how their range of luxurious treatments allow you to treat yourself to an overdue pamper!

Whether you fancy a facial, a relaxing body treatment, or your nails need some love, Miss Unique are here to make you look and feel your absolute best.

With a friendly, warm and experienced team, the salon welcomes you to treat yourself, enjoy a moment of peace and feel refreshed and ready for your busy life!

When did Miss Unique open (and what was the inspiration behind this)?

Miss Unique opened in August 2004.

At the time, I was working as a makeup artist at Glyndebourne Opera House, but when I came home for the winter, I made the decision not to go back. I wanted to be closer to home and create something that felt more personal and meaningful to me.

I’ve always loved helping people feel better about themselves—not just in how they look, but in how they feel mentally too. That’s what inspired me to start Miss Unique.

I wanted to create a safe, welcoming space where people could take a break from their busy, sometimes overwhelming lives and just feel looked after, supported, and uplifted.

What treatments/ products do you offer?

At Miss Unique, we pride ourselves on offering an extensive range of treatments and products, carefully curated through years of experience in the beauty industry.

Our diverse service menu is designed to cater to a wide variety of client needs, ensuring a personalised and high-quality experience for everyone.

Our treatment offerings include a full spectrum of nail services, from classic and gel manicures to our premium Elim manicures and pedicures.

In addition, we provide a variety of beauty and wellness treatments such as waxing, tinting, massage therapies, and rejuvenating facials.

We also offer advanced laser hair removal, providing clients with a long-term solution for hair reduction using safe, effective technology. This treatment has become an increasingly popular choice for those looking for a more permanent and low-maintenance alternative to traditional hair removal methods.

We specialise in a luxurious selection of facial treatments, including chocolate facials, dermaplaning, and microdermabrasion. Alongside these, we proudly feature our signature range from Elemis, a globally recognised skincare brand. Our Elemis facials are tailored to suit all skin types and ages, delivering both relaxation and visible results.

Clients can also explore and purchase a curated selection of Elemis products to maintain their skincare routine at home.

To complement our treatments, we maintain a well-stocked retail area, allowing clients to discover new products and conveniently replenish their favourites.

Miss Unique is also an ideal destination for those looking to maintain a sun-kissed glow. We offer two stand-up sunbeds available during opening hours, along with a selection of high-quality tanning lotions in both sachets and full-size options.

What has been key to the growth of your salon?

The growth of our salon has really been shaped by a combination of evolving industry trends, strong client relationships, and the dedication of our team.

The beauty industry is constantly changing, and staying adaptable has been essential. We’ve embraced new trends and innovations, ensuring we’re always offering services that feel fresh, relevant, and in demand.

Equally important has been the continued support from our clients. Their loyalty, word-of-mouth recommendations, and trust in what we do have played a huge role in helping us grow and build our reputation.

At the heart of it all is our incredible team here at Miss Unique. Their passion, professionalism, and commitment to delivering high-quality service every day truly set us apart. Creating a welcoming environment for both clients and staff has been a big part of our success.

Finally, introducing new treatments has allowed us to expand what we offer and keep clients excited about coming back. By continually investing in new services, we’re able to meet a wider range of needs and stay ahead in a competitive industry.

What was the biggest challenge you faced when starting (and how did you overcome it)?

One of the biggest challenges we faced came very early on, and it was something completely unexpected.

In the early hours of Christmas Day 2010, a fire broke out—during one of the coldest winters—believed to have been caused by a spark from a nearby chimney. It was a devastating moment for the business.

However, rather than stepping back, we adapted quickly.

We relocated to a chalet at The Grange, known locally as The Smoke House in Ormesby, where we operated for six months. It wasn’t easy—we worked four days a week, and every few days we had to pack up all of our equipment, only to return and set everything up again the following week. It was physically demanding and emotionally challenging, but it showed our resilience and determination to keep going for our clients.

More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic brought another significant challenge.

Like many in the industry, we faced lockdowns and long periods of closure. When we were finally able to reopen, we had to completely adapt how we worked—introducing social distancing, wearing extra PPE, and strictly following new health and safety protocols. It required patience, flexibility, and a lot of reassurance for clients.

In both situations, what carried us through was our commitment to the business and the support of our clients and team. Those experiences ultimately made us stronger and more adaptable.

How important is social media to the growth/ operations of your business?

Social media has become an essential part of both the growth and day-to-day operations of our salon. It acts as a powerful platform for advertising new treatments and products, allowing us to keep clients informed and engaged with what’s new.

It’s also incredibly useful for filling quieter periods—by posting last-minute availability, we’re often able to reach clients quickly and keep the diary busy. One of the biggest advantages is that it allows us to connect with a wide range of age groups, making our services visible to both new and existing clients.

The shareability of social media has played a huge role in expanding our clientele. When clients share our posts or recommend us online, it naturally introduces our salon to new audiences. It’s a modern form of word-of-mouth that has proven invaluable.

Importantly, it also gives us a space to showcase the work we’re proud of. Being able to promote real results and treatments we’ve carried out helps build trust and gives potential clients a clear sense of what we offer and the quality they can expect.

How important are the relationships you create with customers?

Building strong relationships with our clients is at the heart of everything we do, and it’s incredibly important to the overall experience we provide.

Creating a genuine bond helps clients feel comfortable and at ease from the moment they walk through the door, which is essential in a personal service environment like ours.

These relationships also allow for open communication and trust. When clients feel they can speak honestly, it helps us better understand their needs and deliver results they’re truly happy with. It turns each appointment into more than just a treatment—it becomes an enjoyable, relaxed experience.

Over time, these connections grow into meaningful relationships. For some clients, especially those who may not have family close by, visiting the salon can also offer a sense of companionship and familiarity, which we value deeply.

Above all, everything is built on mutual respect. We respect our clients, their preferences, and their time, and in return, that respect helps foster long-lasting, loyal relationships that are incredibly special to us.

How do you aim to make customers feel when they visit the salon?

When clients visit our salon, our goal is for them to leave feeling refreshed, relaxed, and truly confident in themselves.

From the moment they arrive, we want them to feel they’re in a space where they can switch off from everyday stresses and take time for themselves.

Building trust is a big part of that experience. We want every client to feel confident in our team and comfortable knowing they’re in safe, professional hands. That trust allows them to fully relax and enjoy their treatment.

Ultimately, we hope each visit feels like a weight has been lifted—whether that’s physically, mentally, or emotionally. It’s about creating a positive, uplifting experience that stays with them long after they leave the salon.

What makes Miss Unique stand out?

Miss Unique stands apart in an industry that has become increasingly fast-paced and impersonal by staying true to a more traditional, community-focused approach.

Rather than focusing on volume, it has grown its reputation through meaningful, long-standing relationships with its clients.

Having been established since August 2004, the salon has grown alongside its clients, creating a genuinely family-oriented atmosphere where generations return and familiar faces are the norm.

Located in the heart of Ormesby, a small village setting further reinforces this sense of closeness and belonging. Clients aren’t just appointments in a book—they’re part of an extended community that the salon has nurtured over two decades.

This combination of longevity, personal connection, and village-rooted charm is what truly makes Miss Unique unique.

How important is it to take the time to treat ourselves to a treatment/ beauty service (recognising the importance of self-love etc)?

Taking time for beauty treatments or wellbeing services isn’t just a luxury—it’s an important part of maintaining mental and emotional health.

In busy lives, it’s easy to forget about ourselves, especially when we’re used to putting others first. Choosing to be a little “selfish” with our time can actually help us recharge and feel more like ourselves again.

For parents, particularly mums, stepping away for even a short treatment can provide valuable time to relax and reset, making it easier to return to family life feeling more balanced.

Self-care should also be inclusive. These spaces aren’t just for women—they should welcome all genders and backgrounds, because everyone deserves to feel confident and cared for.

Ultimately, taking time for yourself is an act of self-respect.

Everyone deserves to feel good about themselves, and sometimes that starts with simply making space to prioritise your own wellbeing.

How does the salon keep up to date with the latest trends/ techniques in the beauty industry (and why is this continuous learning important)?

Staying current in the beauty industry requires constant learning and adaptability, and our salon approaches this in several ways.

Social media plays a huge role, allowing us to monitor emerging trends, techniques, and client preferences in real time across platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

We also take part in training courses provided by professional brands, which ensures our team is up to date with the latest products, application methods, and industry standards.

Inspiration is another key factor—we regularly look to other salons, both locally and internationally, to see what’s evolving creatively and technically.

Just as importantly, we listen closely to our clients: their requests, feedback, and changing tastes often signal shifts in trends before they become mainstream.

This continuous learning is essential not only to maintain high standards and deliver the best results, but also to stay relevant and competitive in such a fast-moving industry.

What do you hope to achieve this year?

This year, our focus is on growth, innovation, and strengthening our connection with clients.

One of our main goals is to introduce a range of new luxury treatments that we’ve been planning for some time. These services require more advanced, intensive training, and we’re excited to invest in developing our team’s expertise so we can offer something truly elevated and results-driven.

We’ve already taken a step in that direction with the launch of our Elim manicures and pedicures, which have been a great addition to our treatment menu and reflect the kind of high-quality, specialist services we want to continue building on.

Alongside this, we’re aiming to grow our social media presence and become more interactive online. It’s important to us that our platforms feel engaging and approachable, giving both existing and new clients a better insight into what we do, while also creating a space for more direct communication and community.

We’re also working on improving our online purchasing platforms for retail products, making it easier and more seamless for clients to shop their favourite treatments and aftercare from home.

Enhancing this side of the business allows us to extend the salon experience beyond appointments and ensure clients can maintain results in between visits.

To keep up to date with the fantastic work of Miss Unique, you can head to their Instagram (@salonmissunique)!