Star Style

Are you thinking of entering your salon into this year’s Scratch Stars Awards? CALLIE ILEY catches up with 2023’s champions to learn about their success stories

BEAUTY AT THE GATE

Scratch Stars Nail & Beauty Salon of the Year 2023 Sponsored by:

Paul & Samantha Beatty

The rural village of Holton-Le-Clay, Lincolnshire, is home to a salon that shines; offering exceptional nail and beauty treatments within a luxurious setting. “We focus on empowering our therapists and delivering results-driven services,” comment owners, Paul and Samantha Beatty. “We believe our clients shouldn’t have to travel to a big city to access exclusive treatments, and offer them a deluxe experience in our hometown.”

Samantha began her beauty journey from a room at home, with the full support of Paul, who credits the growth of the business to her knowledge and passion. Beauty At The Gate opened its doors in 2013, and has since evolved from a small team with three treatment rooms, to a large team of therapists working across eight treatment rooms, including a large nail room. The therapists offer an expansive range of treatments, including aesthetics, facials, massages, nail services, hair removal, brows, lashes and male grooming services.

The salon has four linked units, each with cosy and carefully considered décor. The first offers facials and massages, the second encompasses a nail space and waxing rooms, the third is dedicated to aesthetic treatments, and the fourth is exclusively for male clients. “Our team of 10 therapists works incredibly hard to deliver a fantastic service,” share Paul and Samantha. The facial and massage area is a tranquil space that’s light and airy with its own snug, which clients often admire from the walkway. Therapy rooms have ambient lighting and candles for a comforting feel.

“A second walkway runs from the reception to our nail area, which is a bright space in which conversations flow freely, and we proudly display our awards to encourage conversations around them. We offer our luxury beauty treatments in a dimly lit spa, where clients can relax on velvet sofas and enjoy refreshments. The dual treatment room is a client favourite; praised for its unique and luxurious atmosphere,” Paul and Samantha continue. Man At The Gate is a spacious area, making use of industrial-inspired décor, using wood and steel features throughout to create an edgy but inviting treatment haven.

Following a stellar mystery shop report and commendations from Scratch Stars Awards judges for its thoughtful customer journey, beautiful space and commitment to staff CPD, Beauty At The Gate scored highest in its category to take the Nail & Beauty Salon of the Year title in 2023. Unfortunately unable to attend The Scratch Stars Awards Party, Paul and Samantha found out about the win from their marketing manager, who followed the evening’s announcements on social media. “To win is an incredible feeling,” they comment. “Winning awards reflects our loyal and dedicated therapists, and we notice the confidence boost it gives them.”

www.beautyatthegate.co.uk
Facebook: /BeautyatTheGate

Instagram: @beautyatthegate

THE NAIL SHED

Scratch Stars Home Nail Salon of the Year 2023

Sponsored by:

Sarah Rushworth

In November 2018, Sarah Rushworth transformed a standard garden shed into a cosy Bolton beauty destination; one that would see her step onto the Scratch Stars stage in 2023 to receive the Home Nail Salon of the Year award.

Sarah completed her first nail course in January 2019, after attending a self-employed business programme. Eager to turn her passion for nails into a job, she juggled courses alongside her role at a local housing association, and offers natural nail, gel polish and builder gel appointments to local clients.

“I always meet clients at the front of my home at their initial appointment, so they feel comfortable walking into the back garden,” Sarah shares. “From the outside, The Nail Shed is a simply a garden shed, but as soon as clients walk in for the first time, they’re surprised by the setup, which is welcoming and cosy.

“I have kept the walls neutral to give the illusion of more space, painting them in white with a subtle glitter sheen. I used scrubbable paint, which is easy to keep clean, and the space features accents of grey, gold and blush to add warmth. I wanted to bring the garden indoors, so have used artificial plants and flowers for decoration. It’s a compact space, but the décor gives it a relaxed, bright and airy feel.”

Awards judges praised Sarah for her passion, and for offering a brilliant client consultation in a tranquil environment. “At The Scratch Stars Party, I was filled with nervous excitement and adrenaline,” she admits. “The venue was incredible and there was such a buzz in the room, plus I got to meet so many amazing industry professionals. I was in complete shock when I won and my emotions took over. It was overwhelming but incredible and I am so grateful for the experience.

“I struggle with anxiety and overthinking, so winning has helped with my self-belief and drive to progress even further,” Sarah continues. “If there are any home salon techs who are thinking of entering but don’t feel good enough, just go for it. I’m just someone doing nails in a garden shed around another job and family life, like so many other people working in the industry. The competition helps you to really think about the condition of your business, and the feedback received is invaluable. What’s more, you get to meet and network with so many lovely people in the industry. I’ve made some great friendships with other techs since being part of the Scratch Stars Awards.”

Facebook: /thenailshedbolton

Instagram: @thenailshedbolton

TOWNHOUSE, KNIGHTSBRIDGE

Scratch Stars Nail Salon of the Year 2023

Sponsored by:

Luxury mani/pedi destination, Townhouse, opened its first premises on London’s Great Portland Street in May 2018. In less than six years, the brand has grown exponentially, with Townhouse now boasting 36 premises across England. Founded by Juanita Huber-Millet, each salon employs 10 to 16 nail artists, shift leaders and salon managers, and the Knightsbridge branch scooped the Scratch Stars Nail Salon of the Year title for a second year in 2023.

Based within infamous department store, Harrods, Townhouse Knightsbridge is a haven for nail services and is decadently decorated, with high tech features. “From the moment you step inside a Townhouse location, you’re enveloped in an atmosphere of elegance, with carefully curated décor and ambient lighting,” says a spokesperson for the salon brand. “Curated to elevate the nail salon experience, we want to challenge the way people think about the industry.

“We prioritise fostering positive morale among our team members and believe in celebrating everyone, ensuring that every voice is valued and heard. We conduct monthly company meetings and socials, where team members from all departments can come together, share updates and connect. We actively promote growth opportunities internally to motivate team members, and continue to nurture talent and foster professional development.”

The design ethos behind Townhouse is contemporary, appealing to all genders. “The aim was to create an ambience that caters to diverse experiences, offering a sanctuary for quick rejuvenation during a busy day or a luxurious escape for a pampering session,” the spokesperson continues. “Each Townhouse is thoughtfully designed to embrace versatility, ensuring that every visitor feels welcomed and indulged.

“Winning the Scratch Stars Nail Salon of the Year award is a tremendous accomplishment for Townhouse Knightsbridge, as the accolade is widely recognised and highly esteemed within the industry. When we shared the news with our team, they were thrilled to be part of something so special. This recognition has boosted our salon’s reputation and attracted new clients seeking excellence in nailcare. It’s been a source of pride and has contributed to our continued success.

“The acknowledgement is a testament to the hard work and dedication that Juanita and the team put into providing outstanding service to our customers,” adds the spokesperson. “Being recognised by industry peers was truly a magical moment for us all. The trophy sits proudly in the main boardroom of our office in Fitzrovia; a room that holds immense importance for our business, as it serves as the focal point for commemorating and celebrating our various accomplishments.”

www.townhouse.co.uk
Facebook: /mytownhouseuk

Instagram: @mytownhouseuk

Are you a salon premises in the UK or Ireland? Enter the Scratch Stars Awards 2024 by 10 March by visiting www.scratchmagazine.co.uk/scratchstars or scanning here