Nail tech launches self care platform to support those in need

Scratch chats to Laura O’Mahony, owner of The Pamper Cabin and founder of self care platform Share Your Self Care, about the importance of giving back…

Laura had always loved beauty therapy, but was busy carving out a career in the events industry in Manchester, London and LA, when life took a 180 turn with her mum becoming ill in her mid-twenties. Laura found she no longer cope with the pressure and stress involved in the industry.

“I’d toyed with the idea of doing an evening course in beauty therapy for a little while; my mum had trained in beauty therapy when I was little and managed various makeup counters very successfully, so I had been brought up with makeup and good skincare. I remember her giving me a facial when I was stressed during my GCSEs, and I never forgot the power of touch and how a little bit of pampering could simply make you feel better,” Laura smiles. With that, the businesswoman enrolled in a beauty therapy course at Suffolk New College and completed her NVQ Level 3 in Beauty Therapy.

Next on Laura’s agenda was setting up her own business. “I bought a gorgeous little red van and carried out mobile beauty treatments at people’s houses and events. I called it The Pampervan!” she enthuses. “My first big gig was at Camp Bestival and Bestival in 2017, offering gel manicures, pedicures, facials and massage to festival-goers. I had a lovely little team of helpers and therapists, and we were completely sold out!”

Laura took the leap of buying her first house in 2019, which already had a purpose-built wooden cabin in the garden, originally being a Pilates studio. “I have turned it into the Pamper Cabin and mainly carry out treatments there in the evenings, to work around my family commitments. I have also found that my clients prefer escaping their homes to truly relax and escape!” she laughs.

But for this kind and caring entrepreneur, this wasn’t quite enough. She wanted to do something to give back to the community that she loved so much, having always wanted an aspect of her business to be not-for-profit.

“The Covid-19 restrictions have really emphasised a sense of community and need for kindness. One of my closest friends lost her mum very suddenly earlier in 2021 and she came to stay with me shortly after it happened. I offered to give her a massage and a facial, as it’s one of the only ways I know to help, and it inspired me to offer it to others too,” says Laura. “Sometimes there are no words, but there is always the power of touch.”

Laura decided to set up a campaign called “Share Your Self Care”, whereby people have the opportunity to donate (as little as £1) in order to collectively treat a person in need to some pampering. She used sunflowers for the logo, as they were her friend’s mum’s favourite flowers and have happy, positive connotations.

“Share Your Self Care is more about collectively donating generously to treating a stranger, rather than nominating someone specific; however, you are welcome to nominate someone to be added to the list and I will contact them when I have the availability and funds,” comments Laura. She is offering one treatment a month, but hopes to increase this over time.

Donations cover Laura’s treatment materials, and she offers the beneficiary one hour treatment of their choice at no cost to them, such as a luxury gel manicure, pedicure, facial or full body massage. With the help of Share Your Self Care, Laura has been able to treat people who are facing tough life events, such as divorce, bereavement and life-limiting illnesses.

According to Laura, beauty therapy does exactly what it says on the tin. “Beauty therapy is beauty + therapy. I have always been inspired to make people feel better by providing treatments, through chatting, touching and hopefully sending someone away with some fabulous nails to make them smile.

Beauty treatments are a luxury, so I appreciate everyone who decides to treat themselves at the Pamper Cabin. It means the world you have chosen me!”

Click here for Share Your Self Care.

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