From dream to debut: Reading-based beauty salon opens with support from Kirsty Meakin
By Jess Watts | 28 September 2026 | Techs & Salons
“Be scared but do it anyway.” This is the philosophy lived and breathed by Reading-based beauty pro and salon owner, Joanna Marshall. With over seven years’ experience in the industry, Joanna is no stranger to facing her fears and throwing herself headfirst into new challenges. Her latest – opening her own salon – was a reminder of just how far she has come and what she has built…
“A salon was never something I had on the cards for myself,” Joanna Marshall says when asked what motivated her to open beauty salon, Glitter and Shine. “However, I reached a point in my nail career where I felt stuck. I love doing nails and working with clients, but I couldn’t see any more growth for myself. I’m someone who thrives on a new challenge, and opening a salon seemed like the next challenge I needed in my career.”
Great ideas often come from collaboration, and the inspiration to open Glitter and Shine was sparked when Joanna attended Kirsty Meakin’s Nail Mansion USA event in March 2026. With 24 techs spending five days living together, learning and developing their skills, it’s no surprise that creative sparks were ignited.
“In a group discussion with salon software company, Booksy, a question was asked that really made me reflect on my decisions: ‘If your books are closed, what are you saving space for?’”
Just four days after arriving home, Joanna jumped on a video call with one of her friends in America to discuss opening her own salon.
“I didn’t have a clue how to open a salon or what it would take, so I signed up for a course with the Berkshire Growth Hub, which gave me everything I needed to know,” Joanna reveals. “Within five months, I had opened the doors.”
Glitter and Shine
Joanna describes Reading-based salon, Glitter and Shine, as a ‘one-stop shop’ that aims to ‘provide clients with the full pampering experience’. From manicures and pedicures to nail and beauty training, brows, lashes, hair, waxing and massage treatments, the salon offers a wide range of services.
Kirsty Meakin’s influence didn’t stop at Nail Mansion USA. As a proud user of Kirsty Meakin products, Joanna says the salon’s main colour scheme was inspired by the brand’s Gel Polish and Builder Gel bottles.
“Kirsty has been a role model throughout my nail journey. I have been using her brand since its very first launch, so it was important for Glitter and Shine to visually align with the Kirsty Meakin brand,” Joanna shares. “It felt like I could give back some of the support she has given me over the years.”
While the space is split into four sections to accommodate different therapists, the team ensured the overall theme remained cohesive.
“We wanted to make sure the salon was an aesthetically pleasing and relaxing space, while also allowing each of us to express our own personality within our section,” Joanna explains.
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An ‘accessible and inclusive salon’, Glitter and Shine prides itself on being a destination for ‘everyone to come and enjoy’. “As a team we have had a lot of experience working with different people and recognise that clients may have different access needs and meet them wherever we can,” Joanna says.
Opening day
Glitter and Shine officially opened its doors in August 2026, with special guest, Kirsty Meakin, attending the launch. “The opening day was full of emotions; it was one I will cherish forever,” Joanna smiles.
Nail techs from across the UK joined Joanna and the Glitter and Shine team to celebrate the opening. “I think we were all overwhelmed by the number of people who showed up and gave us their love and support,” Joanna admits.
“The highlight of the day for me was my daughter surprising me and standing up to say how proud she was of me just before we cut the ribbon,” she adds. “The support I had from my family, both inside and outside the salon, was a huge motivator for me.”
Up and running
One month into trading, Joanna says, “I don’t think what we have achieved as a team has sunk in yet – it all happened so quickly. All I know is I am feeling extremely blessed and grateful to everyone who helped make this happen.”
And it seems the future is just as exciting for Glitter and Shine. “We have some exciting new treatments coming to the salon in October, with two aesthetic pros joining us to offer laser hair removal, Botox, lip filler and specialised facials,” Joanna shares.
“We want all our clients to love the salon as much as we do, and leave feeling relaxed and confident. From there, the possibilities are endless,” she says with a smile.
Follow Joanna/Glitter and Shine on Instagram, Facebook & TikTok.
