SCRATCH PADS Serving beauty clients in style

A former pub has been transformed into a deluxe beauty centre, where attendees can drink in delights across aesthetics, beauty, nails & hairdressing CALLIE ILEY EXPLORES

Michelle Green is the mastermind behind a luxurious beauty destination in Hapton, Burnley: one that houses a variety of businesses to cater to wellness needs. Based within a converted pub-restaurant, Bentleywood balances a clean, chic décor with accents of gold, welcoming beauty lovers from far and wide to indulge in treatments.

Michelle Green

The experienced aesthetician has invited self-employed beauty professionals into the space, including nail technicians, aesthetics practitioners, hair stylists, beauty therapists and educators. Bentleywood opened its doors to clients on 1 October 2023, following a 12-month process converting the space into the beauty hub it is today.

Formerly operating her business, Cosmetic Aesthetic Training Academy, from the Globe Centre in nearby Accrington, Michelle sought a larger space to facilitate its growth. “I needed somewhere that was big enough to accommodate a variety of businesses, offering a one-stop shop for all things beauty,” she shares. “I wanted a premises with its own grounds and saw the pub-restaurant up for sale. It was well-known in the area and in a central location just off the motorway, making it easy for clients and students to locate.”

Stripping the premises back to bricks, Michelle had a very specific vision for Bentleywood. “I went over budget, because I wanted to achieve the ‘wow factor’ throughout,” she reveals. “My dream was to convert the building into a shared space, in which self-employed beauty professionals could grow successful businesses.”

Michelle’s career began when she was 18 years old, after she completed her level 1, 2 and 3 qualifications in Beauty Therapy and worked in a local salon. By 21, Michelle owned her first premises, where she specialised in gel sculpture nails and permanent make-up services. Her beauty journey progressed into education, and she offered training at a local college after gaining a teaching qualification. Michelle soon traversed into medical and facial permanent make-up, which saw her travel around the UK to provide treatments, alongside working in the college and at her salon. 

“The centre is welcoming and sophisticated in style. Clients are dazzled and amazed when they enter, as we have perfected every detail to ensure their experience is luxurious.”

Salon & staff

Bentleywood offers on-site parking, with 100 spaces available to clients. Downstairs there are clinic rooms, training academies and offices, while upstairs is home to hairdressing stations and other beauty setups, accommodated by 12 members of staff.

“Those who rent spaces at Bentleywood have full appointment books, as clients travel from all over the country to enjoy treatments in a stunning environment,” Michelle shares. “I love helping people to grow their businesses, as I appreciate how hard it can be. Every professional complements one another and passes over client recommendations; knowing that clients will receive high-quality services.”

A vast nail menu is available att Bentleywood, courtesy of its self-employed technicians, with treatment options including gel polish overlays, builder gel and L&P acrylic enhancements, nail artistry and manicure services. The most popular services in the premises are nail extensions and aesthetics, and Michelle has her own skincare brand: Mg Skin Formulations, which is used within services and retailed within the space.

Michelle’s daughter, Ria, also works alongside her in the salon, offering aesthetic services. “I love that I get to work with my daughter, as she’s professional, has the same work ethic as me and is so caring towards clients. She’s also a huge perfectionist, so I knew she would be well suited to the aesthetics sector,” Michelle reveals. “Ria has always had an eye for beauty, and maintains the great reputation of my business. She began to help in the salon at the age of 10, and said from a young age that she hoped to follow in my footsteps.”

Décor & design

Bentleywood balances plain white walls with plush textures and accessories, and boasts elegant shades of black, cream and gold. “The centre is welcoming and sophisticated in style. Clients are dazzled and amazed when they enter, as we have perfected every detail to ensure their experience is luxurious.”

Details were key for Michelle when creating her salon space, and she notes that even Bentleywood’s fire extinguishers are on-theme with the gold colour scheme. “There are details throughout that make the premises memorable, and clients love to take selfies in Instagrammable areas. We’ve even added props to help clients perfect their photos. I wanted to achieve something different and fun, but with a professional air,” she comments.

Pampas leaves and glittering gold disco balls feature in the upstairs waiting area. “The disco balls represent the uniqueness and fun quality of the business, keeping with its gold theme and adding a bit of sparkle for staff and clients to enjoy,” Michelle describes. “The most important thing is that clients feel special from the moment they walk in, until the minute they leave.

“I love helping people to grow their businesses, as I appreciate how hard it can be. Every professional complements one another and passes over client recommendations; knowing that clients will receive high-quality services.”

“I was set on the colour scheme from the start,” she continues. “I love gold: it’s classy and professional. Using this alongside a clean white was important to me, as aesthetics are a clinical treatment, but clients need to feel pampered and relaxed at the same time. Aesthetics clients especially may feel nervous about their treatments, so I don’t want them to feel like they’re in a hospital room, but still want the space to feel more like a clinic than a typical beauty salon.”

The business owner has kept the theme harmonious in each department, and encourages self-employed staff members to add a personal touch to their own spaces. “I love going to work, chatting to fellow professionals and making my clients feel happy and confident,” Michelle smiles. “Teaching students and seeing them progress within their businesses is so rewarding, and I always look forward to it. My favourite area in the salon is the waiting room flower wall with little mirrors that read: ‘Who’s the fairest of them all?’, because we want everyone to feel like royalty when they are with us.”

www.cosmeticaesthetics.co.uk
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