Featured Therapist – Leanne Bardsley

Meet Leanne, our  lovely specialist in LVL Lashes and Shellac treatments. Her stunning creations are well known amongst our clients and her reputation goes before her!

How long have you been working in the beauty profession?
I began in 2011, so over 7 years ago and the time has just flown by.

What made you want to follow this career originally?
When I was younger I always enjoyed giving my friends and family treatments, but it was when someone suggested I did it professionally that I thought about it as a career. I enrolled on a college course and immediately knew I had found the job for me.

How has the beauty industry changed in the last 10 years?
There have been very definite trends within beauty through the years. When I first started my training, the look was very much ‘The Only Way Is Essex’ – super dark fake tan, nail extensions and all quite over the top! However, over the last few years good skincare and more a more natural approach to beauty has become much more popular. People are preferring to enhance their natural features rather then cover them up. Much nicer in my opinion!

What sets Icon Beauty apart from other salons?
Even as a therapist, I can find some salons a little intimidating to go in. I love hearing from our clients how relaxed and at ease we make them feel here. We are always ultra-professional yet at the same time, pride ourselves on how friendly and approachable we are.

What is your favourite / specialist treatment?
Anything where there is a dramatic ‘before and after’. So, pedicures, nails, LVL Lashes…I love doing them all!

What is your favourite brand / product?
Dermalogica is quite simply a fantastic brand. They constantly bring out new, exciting products and offer the best training courses – I absolutely love them! Their latest product is Rapid Reveal Peel and our Product of The Month . It sounds incredible and I can’t wait to try it out and will look forward to giving you my feedback.

What advice would you give to anyone just starting out in the beauty profession?
Be a sponge! Soak up the expertise of the therapists working around you and practise, practise, practise. Complete as many training courses as opportunity allows and follow beauty gurus on social media – you will be amazed how much you can learn this way!

What do you enjoy most about your role?
The best part of my job is making people feel relaxed and special. Whether a client is popping in for a regular waxing / nail treatment or if they are treating themselves to a massage, everyone deserves that little bit of special ‘me’ time. Life can be hectic, and I love being the therapist who can give you a little luxury and time out.

Leanne x