LUXE Beauty Salon: Treatments That Allow You to Truly Switch Off

From the moment I wake up, I feel like my brain is running at 100 miles per hour. Whether I am worrying about what I need to get done at home or something at work is playing on my mind, it feels like I don’t get a moment of quiet until I head to bed (and even then, it takes a while to switch off!).

And, I don’t know about you, but the fact that I am chronically online most days doesn’t help my worries and stress. Every time I open my phone it feels like I am constantly comparing my life to strangers on the internet who seem to ‘have it all’ (forgetting that most content on social media is an edited version of what people want you to see!).

Some days I love the fact that I never want to stop and am always looking for the next thing I can be getting on with, but others it can feel both mentally and physically draining.

A few weeks ago, I took a trip to meet Beth, the Owner of LUXE Beauty Salon, to discover her journey in the beauty industry and the journey of her business so far.

When I stepped into the salon, it felt as if the noise of everyday life faded away. The gorgeous interior and calm atmosphere instantly made feel relaxed and at ease. As I was speaking to Beth, it became evident that this was more than just a business to her - it was her way to connect with new people and offer them treatments that allowed them to unwind and switch off from the digital world.

Beth’s incredible journey in the beauty industry highlights the importance of looking after your wellbeing, embracing self-care and putting your life on ‘do not disturb’ to treat yourself to a treatment!

When did LUXE Beauty Salon open?

I'd met my now fiancé in 2021 and his dad owned a vacant shop attached to his house in Long Stratton.

I opened LUXE in November 2023. It had always been a dream of mine, but I was wary of leaving paid employment - I'd been in retail management for 25 years.

When starting your career, what drew you to the beauty industry (and how important has your experience been to your business)?

I initially trained in Swedish Body Massage in 2002 when a recession hit my role at the time and I figured I needed a back-up plan.

Then throughout the years I've added different treatments qualifications.

In my retail career, I've worked with luxury cosmetic and wellbeing brands; Business Manager for Benefit Cosmetics, Business Manager for Clarins SkinSpa, Store & Therapy Rooms Manager for Neals Yard Remedies and most recently Sales Manager for Jarrolds Beauty Hall - this experience has been invaluable to me in my own business.

What treatments do you offer?

• Manicure: Gel, Extensions, BIAB
• Pedicure: Gel, Luxury
• Massage: Body, Back, Scalp
• Waxing: Body, Face
• Tinting/Lifting: Eyelashes, Brows
• Facial: Dermaplaning

How are you feeling after moving to your new salon location?

Despite absolutely loving my first salon, I moved for a bigger and quieter treatment space for my more relaxing treatments; massage/facials.

Being away from the road makes it much more peaceful.

How important are the relationships you create with customers?

Oh god, I absolutely love my clients - many of whom have become friends to me.

It doesn't even feel like a job at this point- I'm just chatting with my friends!

What do you love most about running your business (and working in the beauty industry)?

I love that I have a much better work-life balance, I get to choose my own hours and how I want to run my business away from the politics and red tape of corporate organisations.

How would you describe the atmosphere of LUXE Beauty?

I'd like to think it's a home from home vibe for my clients.

I've chosen French Antique style furniture with a neutral colour palette of textures for a calming atmosphere.

Many people rely on social media for the latest tips/ advice in the beauty industry. However, the abundance of knowledge it often provides (which can also vary!) can be confusing at times. What impact do you believe social media has had on the beauty industry?

Social media can be great, it's the way of the world now and without online customer reviews and images of my work, I don't think I would be as busy as I am.

However, it can go too far; especially with AI at the moment and people using it for inspiration pictures that I have no hope in recreating!

I always look forward to getting my nails done. As someone who is on the go all the time, it’s my time to switch off, treat myself and relax! What power do you believe treatments can have on people’s lives?

Huge power!

I often get clients saying they feel really sleepy whilst I do their nails as it's the only time they truly switch off. I take it as a compliment if a client falls asleep during a massage or facial - like I've accomplished full relaxation.

What do you love most about being part of the community of independent businesses in the beauty industry?

For the most part, everyone is so supportive and uplifting.

For example, locally there is no competition, we all get on, swap treatments, we are each other’s cheerleaders - and I love that feeling of empowering others instead of competing.

What advice would you give to anyone wanting to enter the beauty industry?

Jump in with both feet!

What do you hope to achieve this year?

Another great year, with my extremely loyal clients and hopefully some new ones!

Hopefully by summer I will be offering spray tanning - I've been trained for more than 15 years - but it's something I want to bring to the salon.

To keep up to date with the brilliant work of Beth, you can head to her Instagram (@luxebeautynorfolk)!