Featured Therapist – Jessica Edwards

Meet Jessica, one of our most experienced therapists and a key member of the Icon Beauty Team.

How long have you been working in the beauty profession?
I have been part of the profession for 17 years now.

What made you want to follow this career originally?
When I was at school, I was not 100% sure of the career path I wanted to take, so I started by thinking about what it was I enjoyed doing most in my spare time. This led to me taking a beauty therapy course,  as I knew I was very interested in learning more.  What I didn’t know at the time was that it would become my  passion and long-term career!

How has the beauty industry changed in the last 10 years?
I think the main change I have noticed is how popular the industry has become. It is now very common for lots of people to regularly visit a beauty salon. People have more of an appreciation as to how important it is to look after your body with treatments such as facials and massage. But they are also seeing how having a treatment can affect and uplift  your mood and general well-being.  A visit to the salon has become more of a necessity rather than just a once in a while luxury. This is particularly the case with nails.  Shellac, gel and extension treatments  are hugely popular and have changed the face of the industry. Beautiful nails  have the power to make people immediately feel good about themselves and there is no shame in that anymore.

What sets Icon Beauty apart from other salons?
What can I say….well it is by far the most professional salon I have ever worked in, whilst maintaining  a lovely warmth towards clients and staff. As a client you know you will always receive a treatment with lots of extra little touches. Every therapist here wants their clients to feel they have had the best treatment and experience possible. We never cut corners and are supremely proud of  our consistently high standards.  We work well together and love to help and support each other. It is a great team to be part of! Icon Beauty is also a stunning salon to relax in. When you come in, the beautiful décor and peaceful atmosphere immediately make you forget the busy life you have left outside.

What is your favourite treatment?
I absolutely love shaping and tinting eyebrows. Such a small treatment can make such a big difference to the way someone looks.

What is your favourite product?
I love Jan Marini Glycolic Cleanser. I was a little wary of using  such an intense cleanser at first as I suffer from dry skin and I was worried it might dry my skin out even more. However, it has had the reverse effect…it has cleared up all my dry patches and given my skin a lovely dewy glow. I even get a few compliments now, so I am hooked!

What advice would you give to anyone just starting out in the beauty profession?
Don’t be too hard on yourself if you are not immediately 100% perfect at something. Some treatments take a lot of practice and you will get there!

What do you enjoy most about your role?
Building relationships with clients and making them feel good. Through the treatments themselves, but also through good conversation. My clients have the power to make my day, so I aim to do the same for them too.