Through the Keyhole

Take a peek inside salon setups across the UK&I as Scratch unlocks each door

Narelle Beauty

Location: Castleford, West Yorkshire

The first Covid lockdown hit soon after Narelle Wharton had discovered an ideal space for her salon business, so she spent the time decorating the ‘quirky but classy’ premises, enlisting the help of family to get the space ready to open when permitted. “My dad is a plumber and fitted the sinks, my husband laid the flooring, I sprayed the gold shelves and reception desk, and my aunt and uncle painted and added panelling,” she shares.

Narelle boasts 20 years’ experience in the beauty industry, and became a CND™ education ambassador in 2024. She offers CNDTM , KUPA, Footlogix, LASHUS and Wax:One training for UK distributor, Sweet Squared, and uses the brands’ products in the salon. “I buy every CND™ colour collection, so stock around 180 Shellac™ gel polishes,” Narelle reveals. “Shellac™ treatments are the second most popular CND™ service at Narelle Beauty, following PLEXIGEL. We offer luxury CND™ Pro Skincare pedicures and the Footlogix medi pedi.”

The pro details that her favourite aspects of owning the salon are getting to be ‘Narelle’ outside of being a mother, seeing clients and working with employee, Casey. “Casey came to Narelle Beauty for a placement and worked so hard that I had to offer her a job,” she smiles. “She recently managed the salon while I was on maternity leave. We like to understand our clients and how they can get the best from their treatments, and aim to make each one feel relaxed and safe.”

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Bella’s Little Nail Boutique

Location: Ashford, Kent

In 2019, a customer service career spanning over 20 years was leaving Sarah Webb feeling unfulfilled, so she decided to take a leap into the beauty industry. She originally trained in the ‘90s and had worked for a salon and on a self-employed basis before taking a break. When Sarah decided to return to the industry, she updated her education and launched her business. Four years later, she converted her garage into Bella’s Little Nail Boutique, which is named after her daughter.

While Sarah’s previous career didn’t offer her the satisfaction she desired, it did teach her valuable lessons about client care. “My focus is on creating an experience for customers: not just a quick nail appointment,” she reveals. “I offer personal touches and services with a smile. Clients can enjoy a free beverage and biscuit at their appointments – and a glass of bubbly at Christmas! I remember as much as I can about every person and fulfil most nail art requests.”

As well as carrying out manicures, pedicures, gel polish, builder gel, L&P acrylic and dip powder services, Sarah and her two employees cater to client demands by offering lash, brow, tanning and waxing treatments. Clients know Sarah as ‘the pink queen’, making her salon colour scheme an easy choice, and a floral and hummingbird wallpaper catches attention on feature walls. “Looking ahead, I plan to expand the treatment menu and would like to take on more staff, so I can enjoy a better work-life balance,” Sarah concludes.