A Nottingham mum has opened a beauty salon with a difference in the heart of the high street in Arnold. Zen Lashes and Beauty on Front Street opened on Saturday, May 27, and has already gathered huge interest from residents who are pleased to see new businesses opening.
Jade Heath has been in the beauty industry for twelve years but only decided to open Zen Lashes and Beauty in 2022. A mum of three children, she took a leap of faith in opening the business after struggling to balance her growing part-time beauty business.
"I've worked in education and recruitment after I went to college to do beauty. I did beauty treatments on the side but I was seeing clients at home and going out mobile. I have three children so balancing that and the business was so hard. I decided to take the plunge and I thought, why not just go for it?" she said.
The stunning decor, which was built by Jade's husband, Will Heath, features a large tree rescued from Bestwood, flower blossoms hang from its branches and are decorated with colorful butterflies. The shop also has a stunning grass display on the wall along with Buddhas dotted around the premises.
Jade said: "I didn't want it to be pink or like a boutique. I wanted it to be very different, spiritual and friendly. I'm a warm and welcoming person so I wanted the shop to mirror my personality. Lots of people have given us very nice compliments and said it shouldn't be in Arnold. It should be elsewhere but it's nice to bring something like this to the street."
The salon will offer a little bit of everything from waxing and nails to bigger treatments such as botox or lash perms. Jade has plans to develop the business into something exciting for the town.
"I want to be able to close the shop to have things like saxophones or DJs in here. We also thought about doing yoga, too, as I really want to try something different in Arnold. I want to do spiritual evenings as there are so many people who don't have beauty in their lives. They may walk past this place but it might draw them in to come and have a chat with me."
The beautiful design, friendly and welcoming atmosphere have clearly worked as Jade is now fully booked until July. There are many different appointments and treatments on offer.
"You can't book in with me until the end of July. I am so incredibly grateful that the launch day was so successful. It made me feel really teary the next day. I was so pleased that so many people turned up and wanted to support me. So many people had really kind words and made a lot of bookings to come to get things done," she said.
She said: "I don't think we have a favourite treatment as I've been trying to see what we get booked for the most. We do lash extensions, lash perms, waxing, tinting, nails along with massage and facials. We will have a pop-up make-up artist who will be in on a Friday and Saturday. I want her to do proms, weddings, or hen nights. I'm also looking for a hairdresser to join us but I want someone to come in and make it their own creation. There will be aesthetic options here like botox soon, too."
As a spiritual person, Jade has placed a polished wooden 'tree of life' in the centre of the room. She says the business is also inspired by her mother who passed away seven years ago.
"I lost my mum seven years ago in November. She gave me my inspiration so this is all for her and my children," she said. "My father-in-law and my husband Will went into the Bestwood Lodge and found a tree on the floor. I'd always wanted a tree to go in so they found it, brought it back, varnished it and brought it to life in the shop. So that's why it's a tree of life and it just goes doesn't it?"
