Sarah Davies, 32, from Easington launched her beauty and treatment business, Zen by Sarah, last summer.
Based within a tranquil and beautifully designed and decorated salon, Sarah offers a range of treatment, from Japanese head spas and full body massages to lymphatic drainage, facials and one to one training.
Here she tells East Durham Business editor Leanne Fawcett more…
You started Zen by Sarah a year ago didn’t you. What led to it?
Yes, I opened in June last year after spotting a gap in the market for a salon that put people at the heart of every treatment offered.
I know that sounds like it should be a given, but I went for a Japanese head spa treatment and I left feeling dissatisfied. They didn’t look after me or give me a complete experience I expected. I left thinking, I can do that better and that is where it all started.
So I did my training, got my qualifications and created Zen by Sarah.
Tell me more about the treatment you offer?
I offer treatments including full body massages, hot stone treatments, facials, lymphatic drainage, cupping therapy and hydro facials with dermaplaning. I have recently gained my teaching qualification to deliver training in the treatments I offer.
I also offer a ‘Spa like Day’ experience where you can come along with a friend or two, to relax, enjoy a treatment, chill in a soft bathrobe and have afternoon tea, which is provided by Squires café, a local business which is based just a few doors down from my salon.
What sets you apart from other beauticians?
I provide my clients with the ultimate unforgettable relaxation experience, from the moment they walk through the door until they leave. Everything is about them. I sit with them first to find out what they like and want from a treatment, what they don’t and how they’d like to feel when they leave.
When they come in, they can relax on a comfy sofa while we have a chat, and post-treatment they are given verbal and digital aftercare, a bottle of water and a goodie bag to leave with. The feedback I get is, not only are the treatment the best they’ve had but the added extras make the whole process even more special.
Tell me a little about you?
I love going to the gym in my free time, and I adore my two dogs, Lady and Tramp, so I walk them a lot as well.
I also love going out with friends and shopping too. And holidays – who doesn’t!
Tell me something people might not know about you.
I was brought up around a farm environment and I was also a bit of a tomboy. It’s so different from how I am now that people don’t believe it when I tell them. I used to be really into football too!