Crowland log cabin nail salon: “My clients love being surrounded by nature”
By Lilly Delmage | 28 June 2025 | Feature, Salon & Spas, Tech Talk
As’ka Baran, owner of Crowland-based nail salon, Holistic Health & Beauty, opens the doors to her unique space – a log cabin nestled in the corner of her garden.
“Working from a log cabin brings a sense of connection with the earth and nature,” shares As’ka. “Clients often comment that they love that once they step inside, they could be a million miles away from anywhere!
“Because my cabin is based in my garden, I like to keep the outdoor space looking beautiful and work hard to maintain it year round,” she explains. “When I moved here over 20 years ago, there were some amazing peonies growing — they still bloom every year. I’ve incorporated them into my logo, along with my favourite aromatherapy scent: eucalyptus.”
As’ka continues: “In summer, I can have the salon door open and listen to the birdsong while I work. And if I ever need any floral design inspiration, I just step outside! In the winter, I close the door, crank up the heating, light some candles and get out fluffy cushions and blankets – it feels like we’re in a Swedish log cabin. Christmas time is my favourite time in the cabin. With all of the twinkling lights, it becomes truly magical – and I even have a real Christmas tree growing just outside!”
Located just off the main street in the historic market town of Crowland, As’ka’s salon is in a touristic location. “Crowland is home to the famous landmark, Crowland Abbey, and the three-way Trinity Bridge. The town attracts many tourists and has lots of charming tea shops and scenic walks along the river,” she says.
As’ka first trained in holistic and beauty therapies in 2002, which led her to complete a Nail Technology course in 2003. “Back then, it was hard to find a course that covered everything, so I travelled over three hours to train at the Carlton Institute in Windsor,” she recalls. “I later expanded my knowledge with NSI, learning gel and acrylic systems, and have since converted to mainly using Magpie Beauty products.”
As’ka had always dreamed of opening her own salon, but couldn’t afford a high street location. Instead, she ordered a log cabin to work from her garden. She says: “When the cabin arrived on the back of a flatbed lorry, it looked like it was in a million pieces. The look of horror on my family and friends’ faces — who had kindly offered to help — was priceless!”
Deciding on the colour palette was easy, shares the salon owner: “I love the colour green, especially teal, and feel it brings a sense of luxury, as well as nature, into the space. Green is also the colour of the heart chakra, and I truly believe that I put my heart and soul into everything I do – including my work and log cabin space.”
Noting the environment she seeks to create in the salon, she details: “I want everyone that walks into the log cabin to feel a sense of calm and relaxation – a safe space where they can be themselves and switch off while they are there. I aim to make all treatments luxurious, and always think of small things to make the client feel special – such as adding their favourite scent to the diffuser or lighting a candle before they arrive.”
Looking forward, the nail tech says: “I have plans to extend the log cabin by adding a bespoke area to the side. My daughter is also studying Beauty Therapy next year, and will hopefully be able to join me!”
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