Salon in the Spotlight: Beauty Academy on the Move, Glusburn, West Yorkshire

Keen to share her passion for the beauty industry, Corinne McDermott established Beauty Academy on the Move in 2017 to deliver accredited training. “Following a career of working in salons, onboard a cruise ship and in spa’s, I was inspired to pass on my knowledge, skills and experience,” Corinne states. “I completed my teaching degree before teaching in FE College for seven years.  Now I deliver accredited beauty, nail and massage courses to beginners wanting to start a career in beauty, as well as refresher courses helping people to get back into the industry and advanced waxing and massage courses for therapists wanting to advance their skills.”

Corinne’s ‘Spa in the Garden’ was completed in 2021 as the ideal space to bring her accredited training and appointments together. “It’s a little different from other salon in that I have tried to create a rustic feel, where Nordic style cabin meets Swedish, Balinese and Eastern touch therapies on the edge of the rural Yorkshire Dales,” she smiles.

The space has given Corinne flexibly in her business. “I offer a unique experience where one-to-one accredited training travels to the learner – be that a salon, home or other venue. This means you do not need to travel into a city venue or attend a course on a set day that its running that may not be convenient to you.

“The Spa in the Garden it also expands the opportunity for people who do want to come to me for training. I love being part of training the next generation and giving people that opportunity to career change and a chance of freedom to set up their own businesses.”

The decor of the cabin was selected to promote a cosy, rustic feeling. “I decided not to paint the cabin, instead keeping the warm, wood feel. I also added cosy throws and sheep skin rugs, rustic rope ceiling light and palm leaf lamp and table. I wanted to create the feeling of escapism: you are out in a cabin away from all the stresses and strains of life.

“I think the decor really promotes wellbeing, being close to nature. You can hear the gentle rain drops on the roof and the birds in the trees above. My favourite part of the decor is that fact you can look out the door and windows and see the view off the Yorkshire hillside. It allows visitors to take a relaxing breath in.”