A Unique Beauty Business Run by an Ex Police Detective, Scalp Tattoos, Coffee Shop and the Best View of the Roman Wall in Colchester!
“We’re unique because of the service we provide. There’s nothing that can’t be done. Once our clients walk through the door, we will do all we can to accommodate them. The team has stayed the same since I took over 10 years ago and it’s something our clients love. I think another reason is that I value the opinions of my staff. We have meetings every 6 weeks or so, and we are always brainstorming ways to improve and push the business forward. I can’t do that on my own, and I love having their input. Our clients love the fact that they will always have the same beautician performing their treatment. As a salon, we offer more treatments than anyone else in town and our staff are all trained in the latest treatments, so we have consistency” - Karen Nicolaou, owner of Aspects of Beauty and Karen Nicolaou, cosmetic tattooist.
Aspects of Beauty has been a staple in Colchester for around 25 years now and is still a growing, independent business. Current owner, Karen, took on the salon about 10 years ago and hasn’t looked back. Not only does the building have 7 treatment rooms, but Karen has a cosmetic tattoo shop attached. It’s a unique, quirky, listed building that has plenty of character. It’s also one of the few places in Colchester where you can see the Roman Wall!
As a beauty salon, Karen is proud to have the original members of staff from when she took the business over 10 years ago! This is extremely rare these days, particularly in an industry that is becoming increasingly competitive. I think it speaks volumes about the fantastic way Karen treats the staff and what they’re provided with. Karen believes in keeping up with the latest trends, having all the staff trained in the same things and attending regular courses so they can offer their clients the best. The salon can boast of a huge range of treatments for their clients including: massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, gel nails, waxing, lash lifts, lash extensions, environ skin care (which has been created by a skin surgeon and is a treatment with vitamin A and C infused product which is pushed into the skin via a machine), laser hair removal, 3D lipo, aesthetics and many more!
But it isn’t just a beauty salon. Karen also owns the building that is attached to Aspects of Beauty and has turned into a cosmetic tattoo shop. In the tattoo shop, you’re able to receive treatments in scalp micro-pigmentation and permanent cosmetics. Scalp micro-pigmentation is a treatment for anyone who has experienced premature loss of hair, or baldness. Karen will tattoo your scalp, so it looks like you have a shaved head.
One of her youngest clients was in their early 20’s and would always wear a hat, but Karen aims to give her clients some confidence back. Being a tattooist is something that has been instilled in Karen for years, even before she owned Aspects of Beauty! Not only can you get permanent tattoos done with Karen, she also offers a free areola tattooing service for breast cancer survivors. This is extremely admirable and it’s just her little way of giving something back and trying to make survivors feel more comfortable with their body.
The building itself is stunning. I don’t think there’s any other way to put it. There are still the original beams in the salon and, as mentioned, you can see the Roman Wall. The decor is quirky, relaxing and the whole salon has an Oriental vibe - something from Karen’s background that she wanted to instil within. There’s even a beautiful garden that has a bamboo water fountain and the best view of the Roman Wall! It’s one of the few places in Colchester that have double rooms available which means you can book things like a couples massage.
There are eight members of staff and they’re obviously a close team. It’s always more relaxing walking into a business where all the staff get along and are on the same page, wanting to provide the best service for the customer. Karen also told us how it is a unisex salon, with their client based being a pretty even split. The stigma around men visiting beauty salons is decreasing and men are actively encouraged to visit Aspects of Beauty for treatments, in particular, massages that may help joint and muscle stiffness. This is something the whole team are proud of as many of the salons in Colchester are female dominated.
I don’t know about you, but if I ever go to a beauty salon, I don’t want it to feel like a chore. Some places are too clinical and stuffy - we’ve all been there! However, with Aspects of Beauty, you feel the relaxed vibe as soon as you walk through the door. Karen has introduced a small coffee shop within the salon that is growing in popularity, not just for people who are having treatments, but for anyone who would like to have a cup of coffee and enjoy the peace and quiet at Karen’s beautiful garden.
The best thing about this is, they’re licensed! So, you get to have a pamper, and enjoy a cheeky glass of wine or bubbles. I think I’m sold on that alone! The coffee shop is used regularly by people who want somewhere relaxing to sit and read a book, eating a bit of delicious cake. There truly is something for everyone.
The versatility, quirkiness, and the strength of the business is what Karen adores about the business and building. Twenty five years ago, Karen was a police detective, working anti-social hours and not knowing what each day was going to bring. A little over 10 years ago, Karen decided to carve her way into a new business. She had always been artistic, and had already completed a tattoo apprenticeship, so she knew where she wanted her future to be. After getting trained in beauty as well, Karen very bravely took the plunge and moved away from something that had been her life for 15 years and started something new. It was a wise move, as she’s never looked back! Her husband is the proud owner of local steakhouse, Bella Pais and the move was something he supported.
Aspects of Beauty is an all-round gorgeous business. Karen and her staff will welcome anyone through their doors and make them feel at home. In December, they have a one off “Christmas shopping day” where customers can get 20% off ALL treatments. That’s a huge discount and is something I’m going to encourage my partner to take advantage of for my Christmas present! It’s such an amazing idea and an excellent way to give something back to the loyal clients. If you don’t follow them already, make sure you give the team a follow on Instagram and Facebook. More importantly, pay them a visit and see what you might be missing out on!
Thank you to everyone at Aspects for having us and you can look forward to seeing us soon!
Colchester Streets | Professional Photographer