INDUSTRYINTERVIEW

The Townhouse treatment

JUANITA HUBER-MILLET, founder & creative director of nail salon brand, Townhouse, shares her mission to elevate excellence & cultivate craftsmanship

What inspired you to launch Townhouse in 2018?

Townhouse began with a simple realisation: nail appointments are about wellness and should feel elevated. Offerings I’d observed hadn’t reflected that; salons I had visited felt rushed, inconsistent or disconnected from the nail treatment experience I believed was possible. I wanted to create a space where design, hygiene and craftsmanship aligned, and importantly, where the amazing people that work in the nail industry could flourish. That ambition, paired with my background in beauty and design, became the foundation for Townhouse.

How did you want Townhouse to change the nail salon experience?

There were many standards we wanted to set, from hospital-grade hygiene and single-use tools to beautifully calming interiors, advanced technology and rigorous staff training. We built the salon experience around trust and craftsmanship, prioritising quality, consistency and care at every touchpoint.

To what do you attribute Townhouse’s rapid growth?

Our growth has been fuelled by demand, consistency and a strong internal culture. From day one, customers responded to the idea of a nail experience they could rely on: one that feels beautiful, elevated and consistent. Front and centre are the amazing people that work in our business. We invest heavily in training and progression, aiming to create meaningful careers in which nail professionals can thrive. Culture drives experience and experience drives growth.

What’s one piece of client feedback that you use as a benchmark for success?

Very early on, a customer told us: “This is the first time I’ve ever fully relaxed during a nail appointment.” That comment has stayed with me. It captures everything I hoped Townhouse would be: not just technically exceptional, but soothing for people with busy lives. If clients leave feeling calmer and truly cared for, we’ve done what we set out to do.

Scratch Stars Awards success

We are incredibly grateful that our Fitzrovia and Knightsbridge locations have been recognised in the Scratch Stars Awards. We have won a total of three Nail Salon of the Year titles, and the accolades are a reward for the countless hours of hard work we have put into building the Townhouse brand. Winning is recognition from an industry we deeply respect, and for our team, it is an endorsement of their artistry and dedication.

The awards have naturally strengthened our credibility and supported recruitment, especially as we grow globally. But at their heart, they’re validation that our commitment to elevating nailcare and raising standards truly matters.

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We built the salon experience around trust and craftsmanship, prioritising quality, consistency and care at every touchpoint.

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The Flawless Collection

After painting more than six million nails, we have a deep understanding of what customers love and what professionals need. Creating our own formulas felt like a natural extension of that expertise, so we launched the Flawless Collection in October 2025. This comprises gel polish – Flawless Gel, and nail polish – Flawless Polish. We wanted to create performance-driven, long-wearing, vegan products that align with our values: thoughtful, considered and elevated. The Flawless Collection brings together design expertise, scientific knowledge and years of hands-on experience.

Developing a TPO-free gel polish that delivers our signature shine and longevity was a challenge. We refused to compromise on performance. At one stage, we were testing six lab samples per week, and team members were walking around with mismatched hands for months so they could trial alternative formulas! Real-world testing was non-negotiable; the final product had to perform in everyday life.

In-salon, the Flawless Collection helps us deliver exceptional results. At home, Flawless Polish allows customers to enjoy part of the Townhouse experience.

We’re currently expanding our shade range, developing seasonal edits and exploring categories that naturally complement nail and handcare. There’s huge early interest, but we’re approaching expansion thoughtfully and carefully.

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In-salon, the Flawless Collection helps us deliver exceptional results. At home, Flawless Polish allows customers to enjoy part of the Townhouse experience.

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Quick-fire questions

What’s one item you always have in your handbag, and why? I always carry a small tube of Townhouse Cream #1, as it hydrates my hands and keeps them looking their best.

If you weren’t in the nail industry, what career path might you have chosen? Something in design, interiors or fashion – I’m drawn to creating beautiful things!

Which destination inspires your business moves? I recently flew to New York, as Townhouse has two salons there. The city’s confidence and pace are infectious; I always return energised.

If Townhouse were a person, how would you describe it? Polished, modern and effortlessly chic.

www.townhouse.co.uk

/mytownhouseuk

@townhouse

@townhouse