Sarah and Rodney Carroll have spent four years renovating their 1960s Greerton home - including converting a large room into a beauty salon, Glow, which opened to the public last month. We chat to Sarah.
I have been a beauty therapist for eight years and was most recently manager of Sanctumin the Mount, and loved it. But during the last four years, as we have been renovating, I have become more attached to home. I wanted to share this with my clients, to make them feel relaxed.
Many of my clients have been with me for years, they are more like friends. I wanted to be able to offer them the caring side of beauty therapy, offering them products I really believe in, and home is a wonderful setting in which to do this.
For skincare I love the Janesce range. It is pure and gentle but still active. Last weekend I went to a beauty expo and fell in love with Inika organic makeup. Despite the recession, ladies still want maintenance and luxury. I have never done so many facials since I opened the salon at home. People want to come out of the cold - my wood burner is on and Zephyr the cat is stretched out asleep. It's an escape from the everyday which we all need. I even have a facial called "indulge"!
Rodney is a roofer and a Jack of all trades. He has done everything from the salon to the bathroom and kitchen. We ripped up the carpets and discovered the beautiful rimu floorboards. Rodney has just put in a fence and pergola so clients have a welcoming entrance. Inside, the natural decor reflects my beauty philosophy for natural products.
The paints are by Dulux Colours of New Zealand in Cashmere and Mason Bay shades. Curtains are courtesy of Mum, who manages Harvey Furnishings.
Dad did his bit, too, getting me the salon bed and upholstering it. I love buying stuff from local gift shops. The candleholders are from Gilded Edge and the wall lettering is from Mount Pharmacy. In the hallway everyone comments on an aluminium tree from Flax Gallery and Gifts in Bureta Rd.
Even though I am at home I still put on a uniform, which I made with my Glow branding. I still want to be professional. I might be at home but am not going to be waxing eyebrows in my fluffy slippers.
