Salon in the Spotlight: Merrifield Beauty, Preston
By Callie Iley | 19 May 2022 | Feature, Salon & Spas
Qualifying in 2010, Emma Merrifield has worked in various roles during her time in the beauty industry. However, after the birth of her second child in 2020, Emma realised it was time to take the plunge and set up her own business.
“Setting up a business in the midst of a pandemic certainly had its challenges. I decided to use the lockdowns to really plan and prepare for the opening. I made a business plan and also invested in some re-training.”
“In retrospect, I believe this time was imperative to my success. I rented a little beauty room initially, and worked three days a week,” Emma reflects. “At this time, I had another job where I worked two days a week, which was an additional security for me during the turbulent pandemic.
“In 2021, I decided to relocate my salon and created a space at my home. Over the last year I have steadily built up my client base and am now working solely self-employed.”
“My next steps are always at the back of my mind. However, following the uncertainty of the last couple of years and also whilst I have young children, I feel it makes sense to carry on as I am for now.
“When I relocated my salon, I actually streamlined some of my treatments. I felt like I was offering too many treatments and consequently spending too much money on lots of different kits and products,” she reveals. “It made more sense financially to focus on a few treatments and really excel in them.”
“I work on my own, and for now it works, but who knows what the future will hold,” Emma smiles. “It would be lovely to be part of a team in the future as I am a real people person.
“Although, in this industry, we are extremely lucky that we get to spend all day meeting and talking to different people!”
“For me, what makes any business unique is the people,” she shares. “I try and focus on what I am doing and offering, rather than trying to mimic what other salons are doing.
“There is a great quote by Theodore Roosevelt that I like to stand by – comparison is the thief of joy.”
“I really try not to compare myself to others, I focus on offering a great client experience from the minute my client walks in.”
“For many of my clients with such busy and hectic lives, their appointment may be the only ‘me time’ they get,” Emma explains. “I want to make them feel as relaxed as possible, which I feel is easier to do in a more intimate space.
“I feel that one of the benefits of working in a smaller space means the client has a one-to-one experience, it’s a very calm and relaxing environment.”
“At present, I offer nail and brow services as well as facial waxing. I have a special interest in builder gels I and also love doing henna brows.
“The products I use for nail services are The GelBottle, Glitterbels and Peacci,” she says. “I love Peacci Skin for my manicures and pedicures. I finish nail treatments with Naf! Stuff Cuticle Oils – my clients really enjoy picking out their favourite scent.”
“I also use Navy Hygiene, Personality Tools, Dyotics Brow Henna, Hive Waxing Systems and Apraise Tints.
“I do also offer some retail items,” Emma observes. “I do what I can to support other local business and I work closely with Lily Coco Home Scents who supplies me with beautiful wax melts, bathbombs and much more. I also have a link up with a local florist who makes the most stunning hand tied bouquets, called Dotty Blooms.”
“Interior design has always been something I have been interested in. Whilst I wouldn’t say I had a specific theme in mind, I knew I wanted to create a really chilled yet clean and fresh environment.
“I fell in love with a floor tile by Laura Ashley and then made choices that would compliment the tiles,” she notes. “As I only have a small space, I love the impact of the grey patterned tiles and find that the white walls with touches of marble are simple but add texture and depth.”
“I’ve added a bit of colour with my pink chairs and also the tan Chloe Brow Chair by Living it Up Salon.
“Another thing I find keeps my salon looking fresh and different is the addition of seasonal flowers,” Emma beams. It’s nice to switch up the space from time to time and I feel like plants and flowers are great for updating a space.”
“I think my salon appeals to clients who can appreciate simple, classic design,” she enthuses. “This also translates to many of the nail designs my clients often choose.
“Whilst I enjoy and appreciate flamboyant design, I would say personally I lean towards simple understated beauty, which for me, is always timeless.”
