By Sevy Aysel
I am lucky enough to enter the glamorous walls of Haus of Vanity and speak to the beautiful aesthetic therapists and the owner herself to find out a little bit more about the stylish salon.
H.O.V girls: Emine, Ebru, Anna, Mevla and Marissa
Tell me about the name, Haus of Vanity?
Emine: I loved the German spelling of ‘haus’.
What sets you apart from the rest?
Emine: We are a home from home. We are like a family here. We have a special bond with each other and our clients.
Describe H.O.V in three words?
Friendly, warm and honest
Tell us about your style?
Emine: Our style is certainly quirky. Haus of vanity is designed in a homely and boutique- like way and filled with special, carefully selected antique furnishings. We pride ourselves with being a home from home; therefore we’ve tried to make H.O.V as warm and cosy as possible.
Emine: I’ve worked in many salons before H.O.V and they were always very white, cold and clinical. I remember being a customer in these salons and finding it terrifying, that’s why I wanted to steer away from that cold and clinical style and go for something homely, so people can feel at ease.
Talk to me about your interior…
Emine: I love going to car boot sales and browsing in antique shops… I would literally go into car boot sales and find amazing antique lamps, cushions and mirrors to dress up the shop with. The pieces are all original and have been individually selected .We’ve used rich colours such as red and gold and have embellished the salon with dark wooden furnishings to give it that extra warmth. I opted for a wall paper feature wall to make the salon feel homely. The decorative wall paper, chandelier, poof, antique tables, lamp shades , ’cool ‘cushions and quirky red arm chairs are all factors that help to give H.O.V that ultra cosy glam.
Where do you get the majority of your clients from?
Ebru: It’s all word of mouth. Our clients will recommend their friends and then their friends will come to H.O.V and we all know get to know each other! The atmosphere here is intimate and welcoming.
Emine: I’ve never actually done advertisements. We are a small team of four aesthetic therapists, plus our receptionist Marissa. Clients can expect to always see a familiar face when they walk in. We have very good relationships with our clients and know them all very well individually and understand their individual needs. When somebody rings up to book an appointment we usually know who it is as soon as they’ve said hello!
Describe the Haus of Vanity girls each in a few words…
Emine: Mother hen
Anna: Positive, eager to learn
Mevla: A perfectionist, fiercely loyal and protective of her H.O.V girls
Ebru: Kind, caring, considerate: puts everybody at ease!
Marissa: Bubbly, fun, full of life!
Tell me about your treatments!
Emine: We specialise in laser! We of course do facials, massages, manicures, pedicures etc.
Any new treatments!?
Ebru: Yes! Dermalux and EDS regenerate treatments!
Mevla: Award winning Dermalux is the newest generation in LED photography using wavelengths of light to naturally stimulate skin rejuvenation. The penetration of light into the skin energises cellular functions giving wonderful results for skin rejuvenation and treating acne. Dermalux also helps with; skin inflammatory, redness and pigmentation.
Anna: The EDS Regenerate treatment is an electronic, micro-skin needling procedure that results in skin looking younger, healthier and brighter by stimulating the skin, allowing it to naturally repair and regenerate itself.
Ebru: EDS Regenerate treatment is also used to rejuvenate the skin with conditions such as; acne scars, wrinkles, lines and stretch marks.
What’s so special about H.O.V…?
Emine: I think what’s special about h.o.v is that we don’t do lots of different types of each treatment, for example, our manicures and pedicures; we do one type but that will be the best type! We believe in quality over quantity! For example our pedicure is simply the best pedicure you can have; it’s an hour long and it includes: removal of hard skin, a scrub, a hot towel, a foot masque, a massage and painted toes! Everything is included in the price; we don’t make people pay to add on extras. We don’t do loads of product ranges either, we do a few that we love and believe in! We have just started using an amazing new product, Decleor!
Talk to me about your new massages!
Ebru: Well we have been on a training course to learn about aroma blends, there are 4 different types of oils! There are specific oils depending on how you are feeling. We let our clients choose which oil they want us to use as everybody’s wants and needs are different!
Anna: We have also learnt different types of massage techniques designed to specifically target the following; a slimmer waist line, digestion, bloating, firming, cellulite, water attention and skin texture.
Tell me about your approach?
Emine: We are open and honest with people. We do not push sales on people and tell them what they need! I find that horrible… when somebody insists you need this and that! We are understanding and sympathetic and listen to our client’s requirements. We adopt a laid back approach. If people want to know about the different treatments we offer and the difference between laser and IPL we will simply answer their questions and give them a leaflet. We will provide people with the information they’ve asked for and then let them go away, think about it, read/ research and make up their own minds!
Girls tell me about your boss, Emine…
Anna: She is the most amazing boss anybody could ever have (gushing). I have never had a boss quite like her!
Ebru: She’s like our mum (giggles) .She even brings us homemade meals into work. She is so genuine, approachable and understanding. We are like a little family here!
Emine, describe your managing approach?
I have never been able to be that ‘authoritative type’ of manager figure. I think it’s all about respect really; I respect them and expect theirs in return. I am their friend and they can always depend on me, they are my babies, I’m their mom and it just works!
What can people expect when coming to Haus of Vanity?
Ebru: People can expect to be made to feel at ease in a very warm, intimate setting. Everything is very private in here, nothing is ‘on show’ which enables ultimate comfortability. You can’t see the treatments through the window and people like that, it makes them feel secure. With our layout the treatments are situated in the back, even when you have a mani or pedi nobody from outside can see you as you sit back on our comfy red sofa’s, behind the wall and indulge in some Haus of Vanity luxury. Moreover people can expect friendly, approachable, honest, dedicated, therapists. We pride ourselves with always delivering quality, perfection and skill in a cosy, relaxed environment: we are your home from home!
Future goals?
Emine: Consistency. I hope we can continue to deliver consistent high standard. Perhaps one day H.O.V could have a baby sister…