Salon in the Spotlight: The Beauty Garage, Bicester, Oxfordshire
By Kat Hill | 12 May 2021 | Feature, Salon & Spas
After ten years of working for various spas, salons and being mobile, Joanna Paylor welcomed a little boy in 2019 which made her take a leap faith and open her own home-based salon to fit work around her young family’s life.
“The Beauty Garage opened in October 2020, and although it hasn’t been the easiest journey with lockdowns at every turn, it’s been the absolute best decision I’ve ever made!” Joanna beams.
Joanna Paylor
“The salon used to be our garage – hence the name! My father travelled back from France to stay with us so that he, my husband and I could convert the garage ourselves.
“It took so much work, more than we expected, but it’s so worth it to be able to say, ‘we did this!’
“It is completely unique and personal and what I imagined from the very beginning. Every part of it: the walls, the tiles on the floor, all hold memories – along with a bit of blood, sweat and tears!”
Seeing a pretty pink décor, Joanna wanted to create a welcoming environment for her clients. “It’s so important to me clients feel comfortable and relaxed,” Joanna continues. “It’s a home away from home, while maintaining an airy, clean, professional ‘salon’ environment.
“I chose a pink and white rustic theme, with gold accents. I love the rustic themes yet the white and gold keeps it modern and picks up the details!”
“It was only after I started the delve into décor I noticed the big brands I love also have gold hints in their logos or traits. I think it maybe in-directly influenced me! I absolutely adore both Magpie Beauty and Navy Pro’s tools and hygiene system. I try to source the best products that I really honestly believe in myself for my clients.
“I have two favourites areas – I couldn’t possibly choose between! The first is the scaffold board windowsill and shelves. They were my late grandfathers and my husband cleaned them up, shaped them and included them to add to the rustic feel. He was incredibly supportive, and I know if he could see the salon, he would be extremely proud of where I am now.
“Second is my heart shaped wine-cork board, which I made myself a few years ago for our wedding to display our table seating plan. I always get lots of comments on how different it is and again I feel it adds that little bit of unique rustic feel.”
