SCRATCH PADS

From the founder of The GelBottle Inc comes TGB Spa: a luxurious pamper location in Brighton that caters to beauty & wellness needs

Running a globally renowned professional nail brand and academy, alongside a luxury travel and interiors business, is a huge task for anyone. But Daisy Kalnina, founder of The GelBottle Inc (TGB) and by DKollection, has added another business to her portfolio: TGB Spa.

The businesswoman saw an opportunity to combine her passions for nails and interior design by creating a luxurious beauty hotspot in the heart of Brighton, which opened in September.

Daisy tells Scratch that TGB Spa by DKollection has been a dream of hers for a long time, but feels that this year – with the success of her businesses under her belt – was the right time to launch. “Before I founded The GelBottle Inc, I ran my own nail salon in Brighton and loved interacting with customers and understanding what they wanted and needed,” she says.

“I’m excited to return to this focus, and take what I have learned to create an elevated experience for the Brighton community and beyond.”

Daisy Kalnina

Why Brighton? Daisy reveals that the choice of location was simple: “Brighton is my hometown and where the headquarters of my other two businesses are found. The area has a unique blend of coastal charm and city energy, which sparked the inspiration for TGB Spa. I noticed a gap in the market for a luxury space offering a wide range of treatments and extended opening hours, catering to Brighton’s busy professionals, parents and partygoers.”

A meticulous menu

TGB Spa was transformed over a year, and is a one-stop destination for beauty treatment and product needs. “The team has put together a comprehensive list of options, so that clients feel they can satisfy their beauty needs and desires in one place,” Daisy continues. “The spa provides everything I would want at all hours of the day and in the middle of the city, so it’s very accessible. Aside from the design aesthetic, my favourite aspect of the space is the range of services offered.”

“Natural textures of marble and stone are paired with warm lighting to create a ‘minimalist meets modern chic’ aesthetic.”

“TGB Spa was transformed over a year, and is a one-stop destination for beauty treatment and product needs.”

Nail clients can select from manicures and pedicures, from express to luxury options using The GelBottle Inc products. These include BIAB™ (Builder In A Bottle), Gel Polish and the TGB Spa skincare range. For clients seeking a nail polish finish, TGB’s sister brand,

‘ Peacci, is offered, and is the focus for Mini Mani and Pedi services – for children under 10 years old. Also available are DesignEx Pro™ and ProForm™ extensions, alongside three tiers of nail art services.

Other beauty options include brow and lash treatments, facials, LED Light Therapy, massages, waxing, laser services for skin rejuvenation and hair removal, aesthetics including Botox and dermal fillers, and IV Vitamin Drip Therapy. “We’ve also invested in state-of-the-art technology for treatments such as body and skin contouring, and have a Hydrafacial machine and Morpheus8 microneedling equipment,” details Daisy.

Haircare needs are also catered for, with a dedicated hair studio led by L’Oréal-trained stylist & colour specialist, Luke Tyrrell. For clients with busy lifestyles, there are treatments that incorporate several services, from manicure and pedicure combinations, to a mani and blow-dry bundle and facial and massage mix. Clients can also choose from signature packages, including ‘The Hangover Cure’, ‘Mamma-to-Be’, ‘The Quick Fix’ and ‘The Full Detox’, as well as VIP treatments in a private room. The spa can be booked exclusively for events such as birthdays and hen parties, for up to 50 people.

Twenty-five staff members, on a mix of permanent and freelance contracts, work at TGB Spa, and were carefully selected to uphold the business’ high standards. “The recruitment process was extensive, and saw the team leaning into TGB’s established community of nail techs and friends of the brand, to source people passionate about delivering exceptional services,” shares Daisy. “All staff members participated in a three-week training process, ensuring that they gained a good understanding of the experiences offered. We also plan to introduce resident therapists who can deliver specialist treatments.”

Relax, rejuvenate, repeat

The spa space was formerly a bank, but has been transformed with Daisy’s ‘signature design aesthetic’, featuring black exterior and warm, modern touches inside. “All of the properties in the by DKollection portfolio offer a unique and luxurious experience, while maintaining a feeling of ‘home’,” says the CEO & founder. “I am as meticulous with my standards for service as I am with design. Only by balancing the two can you truly provide an extraordinary experience for each guest. TGB Spa by DKollection is no different – it’s a buzzing, welcoming space that answers every need for our clients, and a place they will want to return to time and time again.”

“Everything about the space has been designed to create a sanctuary where clients can recharge, rejuvenate and find balance.”

Natural textures of marble and stone are paired with warm lighting to create a ‘minimalist meets modern chic’ aesthetic. This can be seen from a marble shower room adorned with gold touches, to an area showcasing white, leather-look pedicure chairs, each embroidered with ‘The GelBottle Inc’ and framed by auras of light. Practicality was also in mind when Daisy styled TGB Spa, as manicure desks boast integrated sinks and mobile phone charging stations.

“Everything about the space has been designed to create a sanctuary where clients can recharge, rejuvenate and find balance,” explains Daisy. “We’ve tried to provide all the comforts of a luxurious home aesthetic, so our clients feel at ease. For example, the spa features a bespoke bar, with staff serving cocktails, coffees, juices and snacks, next to a cosy seating area. Music playlists have been curated to offer a cool, lounge vibe, or clients can block out noise with headphones and enjoy silent treatments.”

Looking to the future

After the ‘all-consuming labour of love’ of making her vision of TGB Spa into a reality, Daisy says that she could not be happier with or more proud of the results. “It’s incredible to see it come to life, after developing the business from its branding to the treatment menu, and designing the interior,” she smiles. But that’s not the end of her vision, as the entrepreneur is continuing to dream big. “I would love to open TGB Spa in other by DKollection locations, such as near the company’s villas in Mexico and Croatia,” Daisy reveals. “But most importantly, I want the spa to be a sought-after destination for the Brighton community and beyond. I can’t wait to speak to our clients and receive their insight and feedback, to ensure we continue to provide great treatments in a comfortable space.”

www.tgbspa.com @tgbspa