Beauty Archives - Wharf Life

March 6, 2025March 6, 2025

KB Aesthetics London offers beauty treatments on the Isle Of Dogs

Former NHS nurse and east Londoner Kelsey Bailey runs her medical-grader business in space on the southern edge of Canary Wharf

Kelsey Bailey, founder of KB Aesthetics London - image Jon Massey — Kelsey Bailey, founder of KB Aesthetics London – image Jon Massey

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

Care and honesty sit at the heart of Kelsey Bailey’s business – something that should come as little surprise given her career.

Born and raised in Poplar, she spent nearly a decade and a half as an NHS nurse much of it on the Royal London Hospital’s Acute Assessment Unit ward in Whitechapel.

“AAU is chaotic,” she said. “It’s where patients go while we figure out what we’re going to do with them – where they will be sent for further treatment.

“It’s a stressful environment and staff often don’t last long there, but I loved it. I was there for nine years.

“I had two kids during that time and it got to the point where I needed to start thinking about what I was going to do because of the long hours and the shift patterns.

“I moved into practice nursing in 2019 at Aberfeldy Village and went from being on my feet all day to sitting in an office.

“That felt more like organised chaos, but I had this feeling the whole time that I wanted to do something.”

KB Aesthetics London started as a side hustle in 2022, with Kelsey offering medical grade beauty treatments in rooms rented through other salons.

“It was all word-of-mouth, but I could feel the momentum,” she said.

“My husband, Ricky, could see I had some energy built up inside me that I needed to get out – I really wanted to try something.

“I knew it would be a risk and it took about six months to make the decision to leave nursing. What if it didn’t work?

“I wouldn’t have that security blanket any more. I felt conflicted, but I needed to take the risk – if I didn’t try, I’d never know.”

Kelsey's clinic offers a full range of services from premises on South Quay - image KB Aesthetics London — Kelsey’s clinic offers a full range of services from premises on South Quay – image KB Aesthetics London

taking KB Aesthetics London to the next level

Kelsey took the plunge and built her dream – a facility with multiple treatment rooms on South Quay, just over the dock from Canary Wharf.

With help from Ricky, it’s a space she’s filled with soft brushed gold, warm whites and neutral tones, drawing on her passion for design and, of course, aesthetics.

“I wanted a calm environment – coming to a clinic like this can be nerve-racking and I just wanted everything to be chilled,” said Kelsey, who lives on the Isle Of Dogs.

“I’m very relaxed in my approach and I wanted everyone to be comfortable so they are happy telling me the truth about themselves rather than telling me what they think I want to hear.

“I’ve always liked looking after people. For every single person who comes through the door, we do a free consultation, which includes a skin scan.

“It may be that their skin is actually really good and they just need some retinal rather than Botox. We always talk about a journey.

“It’s important not to pay too much attention to one thing.

“For example, a woman in her 30s might see a line and focus entirely on that.

“But if she treats her skin as a whole with a really solid regime, the individual line might well not bother her any more.

“It’s about setting the bar lower in terms of what and how much you want to do.

“The trick with having aesthetic treatments is a light touch, which is a skill in itself. If someone has had Botox, they shouldn’t look as though they have.

“People should just be saying that they look well.

“I want people to understand that it’s not scary when you age.

“You might look in the mirror and see things that start to bother you, but it’s all right. It’s not about just getting loads of fillers.

“You can’t stop ageing, but there are things we can to do to make you feel better about yourself and those don’t have to cost a fortune and they don’t need to be invasive.

“Sometimes, if someone has a good skincare regime, all they need is the reassurance to carry on doing what they’re doing and some advice.

“Wherever possible, the natural side is the way to go.

“Our approach is holistic. I’ve known a lot of my clients for a long time.

“We’re really trying to do something different in the industry.”

Kelsey and husband Ricky have worked together to decorate the space

forging a team

Joining Kelsey on that mission are Louise Mitchell, R-Marni Aguilar and Trudi Gibson who bring a wealth of experience to the clinic.

Having grown the business largely through word-of-mouth, the plan is now to make a bigger splash and build on that solid foundation.

“It’s really down to my clients that I’ve come this far,” said Kelsey. “They’re the ones who helped give me the confidence to take that risk.

“Since we’ve put up our signs, people now know we’re here and it feels great. I’ve trained the other three on the team and we’ve really grown together.

“Before this I’d never owned a business – I’m a nurse – and starting a company on your own as a woman can be difficult.

“I wanted to do it with people who get me and that’s made it enjoyable for all of us.

“That connection means we all put more in for each other.

“As a business, we’re a bit more relaxed and that’s good for the team and clients.

“People often say it’s like a spa when they come here, which it is, but it’s built on a strong medical foundation.

“The aesthetics industry is not regulated at the moment and I always make sure people know about our medical training and the standards we set.

“Our approach is about keeping people safe – we always start with the client.

“First of all, my advice is to not spend money on things that aren’t bothering you.

“It would be wrong for me to find stuff you should be bothered about – it should never be about what I think a person needs.

“Often, following a good skincare routine will yield the best results.

“There may then come a day when you need something sorted out and then we can look at treatments and options. Then it’s about your needs.

“It’s important to keep up with what’s happening in the industry.

Kelsey wanted to create a calm, welcoming environment for her clients

“We’re not a clinic that’s machine-led – in this business it’s definitely possible to get too much stuff.

“I currently have one skincare machine – the Sofwave – which I’ve been working with for a couple of years and is non-invasive.

“I regularly attend conferences to see what’s out there and listen to the evidence and the claims.

“But for me it’s equally important to talk to people in the industry to find out what they actually do in practice.

“My clients are real people with busy lives. They don’t want there to be down time after they come for an appointment.”

Kelsey said running her own business full-time had been an opportunity for personal growth, alongside professional expansion.

“It’s been life-changing,” she said. “I never thought I’d have my own business and it’s an emotional roller-coaster.

“You have to have stamina, but I love it.

“I remember going to Canary Wharf as a kid – it’s so different now – but I really feel a part of it now and I almost can’t believe that.

“With all my family here and having grown up in the area, I feel like I’m getting the best of both worlds.”

key details: KB Aesthetics London

KB Aesthetics is located at Parker House in Admirals Way on South Quay at the top of the Isle Of Dogs.

The clinic’s full range of services is available online.

For more information, visit the company’s website or email info@kbaestheticslondon.com

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

March 21, 2024March 21, 2024

Canary Wharf: How Jon Hala London delivers technical cuts for short styles

Senior art director Ellie Reilly talks trends and quality as men opt for longer hair and women experiment with shorter locks for 2024

Jon Hala London’s senior art director Ellie Reilly

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

Ellie Reilly knows hair.

Trained at Vidal Sassoon, she comes from a family of hairdressers and has spent more than a decade honing her skills.

When Jon Hala opened his salon in Canary Wharf’s Jubilee Place, she was a natural choice for his team and currently works for the business as a senior art director.

“Initially I fell into the industry,” she said.

“I originally thought I didn’t want to follow everyone else in my family into it, but as soon as I tried it, that was me done.

“I’m a hairdresser and I absolutely love it.

“My nan had a salon in east London and I’ve got aunts and uncles who all followed in the family tradition.”

Ellie specialises in cutting hair, which makes her the ideal person to talk about shorter styles, which are becoming increasingly popular among her female clients, just as men experiment with slightly longer locks.

“To do my job, you need good fundamental training, lots of practice and to have a passion for it,” said Ellie.

“It’s as much about dealing with people as it is their hair, having that confidence to know what will suit the shape of someone’s face.

“Men, especially, look for guidance – they like someone to tell them what complements their face shape, the texture of their hair and their lifestyle.

“At Jon Hala London I cut a lot of men’s hair and I’m happy to be direct if that’s what the client wants – I can tell them what is going to work and why.

“It’s why I’ve built up a lot of loyal clients who come back again and again.

“One thing is you don’t necessarily want to follow the trends – do a short back and sides or get the clippers out and shave everything off.

Jon Hala London is located in Canary Wharf’s Jubilee Place

“Men often want something that’s easy to care for and style, that suits them and doesn’t need a lot doing to it.

“At the salon, customers will find great people who have been in the industry for a long time, so they know how to cut hair to suit an individual.

“We go deeper than simply looking at clients, we explore their lifestyle, job and how that relates to their hair.

“It’s tailored haircuts for individuals.

“Everyone is different and everyone has different hair. Our training actually starts with bone structure so you can understand why a person’s hair does what it does.”

Ellie said the effect of the various lockdowns had left men open to experimenting with different styles, having (in some cases) seen their hair grow out for the first time in years.

“Some of them discovered they had looks they’d never really seen before, like amazing curls,” she said.

“Many more of my clients are trying longer hair or mid-length styles rather than opting for that close-clipped look.

“Lockdown did good things for male hair, it allowed people to see what they had naturally.

“Some might be a bit daunted to walk into somewhere like Jon Hala, but I’d encourage them to just come and have a chat.

“If you don’t know what you want or you’re looking for a change, book a consultation and we can give you that advice.”

The technical expertise that Ellie has accrued over the years is equally applicable to women’s hair, an area that post-pandemic has seen an almost reciprocal effect.

With many having gone long over the previous couple of years, a fashion for shorter styles is emerging.

“For a while no-one was really cutting their hair,” said Ellie.

“So now people have become bored with that and have decided to try new things. There are lots of bobs and pixie cuts already this year.

“It’s the same with men and women. The important thing about these styles is they have to suit the individual’s face.

Men are currently experimenting with longer styles

“Men tend to have squarer faces so the hair needs to reflect those shapes.

“Women are often more rounded, so you want a style that’s softer or more feminine.

“The one thing I would say when it comes to short hair is the better the haircut, the longer it will last.

“At Jon Hala, we cut the hair so that it will keep its shape as it grows out.

“That means it can last three, four or even five months.

“It’s about knowing the tricks and techniques.

“For example, with male clients I might take a little more off the back and sides because I know they will grow out more quickly than the hair on top.

“That’s the difference when you come to a salon like this – you’re getting a tailored, high quality, technical cut.”

In addition to the cut, appointments at Jon Hala include advice and tips on caring for and styling a client’s hair.

“We have a wide variety of products and I’ll always go through what I’m using with a client and why,” said Ellie.

“We can always suggest what will work well for people and offer advice on what they’re already using.

“Everyone at the salon is trained, so when someone comes here they can tap into all of that expertise.

Women are exploring shorter, more technical styles

“When a client comes to see me, I want them to feel comfortable, special and like they’re the only person in the salon.

“It’s both that experience and the quality of the haircut that we focus on.

“We want people to leave thinking that they will tell their friends and relatives about their visit so they can come and see us too.

“I’ve been so pleasantly surprised by Canary Wharf.

“From an outsider’s point of view, I think people associate it with business and offices.

“While I grew up in east London as a kid and then moved out, I’d had no experience of working here before Jon, who I’ve known forever, asked me to join his team.

“It’s not what I expected at all. I’ve worked all over London including salons in Mayfair, but this really is people-wise the nicest area I’ve ever experienced.

“I have the loveliest clients, really interesting people, and it’s a very mixed area.

“We have clients of all ages coming to the salon and you end up befriending lots of people.”

need to know

Jon Hala London is located in Canary Wharf’s Jubilee Place. Ladies cut and blow-dry starts at £75, while men’s start at £50.

The salon offers a comprehensive range of hair and beauty treatments and is open for appointments from Monday to Saturday.

Find out more about Jon Hala London here

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com

March 20, 2024March 20, 2024

Canary Wharf: How Kiko Milano aims to disrupt the estate’s beauty scene

UK and Ireland managing director Paul Devin talks expansion, growth and opening excitement

Kiko Milano supervisor Rattan Saggu applies blusher at the Canary Wharf store

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

“We are seriously under-represented in London,” said Paul Devin, Kiko Milano’s managing director for the UK and Ireland.

“Before we opened in Canary Wharf, we had branches in Regent Street, Covent Garden and in the two Westfield shopping centres.

“But a brand with our potential customer base should have significantly more sites in the capital and at key locations around the UK and Ireland.

“Canary Wharf is very interesting for us – the demographic of the consumer here is very aligned to Kiko Milano and what’s fascinating is the consumer profile has evolved while the area continues to go through a really exciting evolution.

“It’s not the Wharf of old with Monday-Friday city workers.

“Now it’s a vibrant place seven days a week and we want to be where those customers are.”

The Jubilee Place opening this month was the first in Kiko’s ambitious plan to go from 27 stores in the UK to 100 over the next four years.

It’s also an opportunity for the brand to trial a more compact store with a smaller footprint and see consumers’ reactions to that.

“When visiting our store, people will find quite a disruptive take on the beauty industry,” said Paul.

“If you’re a customer in that market, you’re often sent down one of two paths.

“The first is a self-select environment where there might be great brands but there’s no service.

“You might take a product to the till and try it on, there might be some testers or there might not.

“Alternatively there’s the prestige environment.

Kiko Milano’s Canary Wharf store is located in Cabot Place mall

“There you have that counter element which, for some consumers, is fantastic, but for others is a little bit formal – it can be a bit of a barrier as it’s not so relaxed.

“What Kiko Milano offers in all of its branches is a bright, relaxed atmosphere with music in the background and beauty advisers who are trained to help customers.

“There are product areas where you can test and play too, so you get the best of both worlds.

“You get prestige quality products at an accessible price point, with unbelievable quality.

“If you want a five or 10-minute makeover, you can have one free of charge, and we’ll talk about the products used.

“Then you can choose to buy or come back another time – or not – it makes no difference to the way we treat people. Nobody else is doing beauty in this way.

“Approximately 98% of our products are made in Italy, which is important because that’s where the best in the world are manufactured.

“In that region, we have access to the same creative minds and the same factories that are used by prestige quality brands.

“We put our own spin and innovation into the mix and offer our products to consumers at a far more affordable price.

“It’s a sweet spot for us, because we’re both the brand and the retailer so you don’t have that margin on the price – the customer doesn’t have to pay a mark-up and we can offer amazing quality for less.”

Founded in Milan, Kiko has been trading for 26 years with a mission to “surprise and delight consumers” with its stores.

Paul said it had been a pioneer, introducing attractions such as video walls and in-store music as it aimed to bring the feel of clothes shopping to the beauty and skincare market.

“Today we have 1,100 stores globally in 65 countries, including market-leading positions in Italy, France, Spain, Portugal and the Middle East,” he said.

“Then we’ve got opportunities where we are looking to seriously accelerate the brand in the UK and Ireland, Germany, the US and Asia.

“It’s our ambition to reach more than 2,000. The momentum is there.”

The growth in bricks and mortar stores reflects Kiko’s approach to expanding its brand online both for exposure and sales.

“We have a strategy of unified commerce,” said Paul.

“I don’t think there’s a consumer today, whether they’re in the automotive industry, fashion, beauty or footwear, who is not using digital devices for research and to purchase products.

“But our stores are an integral part of that.

“If someone in Canary Wharf comes into Kiko Milano and has a great experience then I’m delighted.

“If they go on to purchase a product online, via click-and-collect or from the shop, then that’s great.

“What we’re obsessed with is a customer-centric approach – if we’re able to combine online and offline, then that helps us climb further up the hierarchy. It’s a complementary approach.

“When customers go into our stores they will meet one of our fantastic beauty advisers, who wear what we call a brush belt ready to demonstrate key products and applications.

“They are all qualified beauticians, are ready to offer makeovers and are equipped with bespoke iPhones that can be used for all transactions or even to order products to stores or to other locations.

“Our heritage is in physical stores and that will always be at the forefront of what we do – we want to invest in that experience, whether it’s in a compact branch like Canary Wharf or our new flagship in Covent Garden.”

The store carries an extensive range of products

With beauty and skincare firmly at the core of Kiko’s offer – best sellers include its Skin Trainer Opitcal Corrector and 3D Hydra Lipgloss – big plans are afoot to extend the brand’s range.

Paul said: “We’re currently working to articulate our new position, which is: ‘Art, beauty, joy’.

“We’ll be doing so many things to get that message out there over the coming months and it’s the first time the UK will have a heavyweight media campaign from us.

“We’ll open 13 stores in the next eight months and refurbish another three, so that’s key.

“Then we’re also working on a lot of product categories and we’ll be launching a haircare range followed by sun care and then fragrances in the fourth quarter.

“With Kiko there’s a new collection every four weeks and we have some great collaborations coming up including one with Bridgerton, which captures the essence of the new series.”

Clearly one to watch…

THREE WHARF LIFE PICKS

Jess Maddison has scoured the store to find a trio of products for shoppers to look out for…

Days In Bloom Perfecting Face Powder, £17.99

This beautiful compact holds finishing powder to eradicate any shine on the go. Powder in public with pride,” said Jess.

Days In Bloom Flowery Brush Set, £22.99

“One of the prettiest brush sets I’ve seen, I love the fact it is a four-in-one and comes in a little flowery pouch,” said Jess.

Days In Bloom Radiant Universal Oil, £18.99

“This feels heavenly on the skin. It can be used on the face, body and hair and has a lovely shimmer to it too,” said Jess.

THREE KIKO MILANO BEST SELLERS

Kiko Milano has picked out its most popular products for Wharfers’ beauty radars…

Skin Trainer CC Blur, £19.99

“Products like this get people into a really good skincare regime and really set them up for great foundation,” said Paul.

3D Hydra Lipgloss Limited Edition, £14.99

“This is available in 25 different shades and has exploded on the likes of TikTok – it’s amazing,” said Paul.

Maxi Mod Volume And Definition Mascara, £13.99

“We’re famous for our eye products such as this one which is a best seller all around the world,” said Paul.

Find out more about Kiko Milano here

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com

November 16, 2023November 16, 2023

Canary Wharf: How a Jovena Face Stim treatment delivers a lift at Third Space Spa

The treatment uses radio frequencies and electrical stimulation to exercise facial muscles with the aim of creating a more youthful appearance

The treatment uses Jovena’s machine to stimulate facial muscles

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

There’s a new beauty treatment in town. Third Space Spa in Canary Wharf’s Canada Square recently added Jovena Face Stim to its extensive range of aesthetic and wellbeing services.

While the largest luxury health club in Europe has plenty of ways to train the body’s muscles, the spa’s new machine offers a way to work out facial muscles with the aim of tightening and toning the skin to give clients a healthier and younger appearance.

The treatment, which costs £250 per session, promises visible results after the first application, with a course of six recommended.

Third Space is currently offering customers £50 off their first treatment. Those booking five sessions will get a sixth for free.

what do you get for your money?

Each session lasts approximately one hour, which includes cleansing, radio frequency therapy and muscle stimulation.

tell us more

“It’s a two-part facial, although you can also have them done in isolation,” said Third Space Spa therapist, Samelia Connor.

“The Jovena Face Stim treatment begins with a radio frequency procedure, which tightens the skin and boosts collagen production.

then what happens?

“The second part is the facial stimulation,” said Samelia. “It causes contractions in the face, so it’s working the muscles to create a lifting effect for the skin.

“We can target the right muscles to achieve the effect. In combination, you get tightening and lifting, which works with your existing skin regime.”

what are the benefits?

“From what I’ve seen with my clients, it gives them a more youthful appearance and I feel like that’s something everyone is looking for,” said Samelia, who has been a therapist for more than seven years, relocating to the UK from the Caribbean following a hurricane.

“Even if, like me, you’re in your 20s, you still want to look fresh.”

how does it feel?

“It’s quite relaxing,” said Samelia. “When someone invests in their skin, I feel like they know the procedure will benefit them and when you see the instant results, you feel like you’re getting your money’s worth.

“For longer lasting results, I would recommend the full course of six. It’s for men and women.

“Before there was a stigma about men getting treatments but now it’s seen as self care.

“Whoever you are, if you’re doing a presentation or appearing at an event, you want to look your very best.”

THE DETAILS

Jovena Face Stim, Third Space Spa

The cost per treatment is normally £250 per session

Third Space Spa’s introductory offer is £50 off a first treatment

Therapists recommend a course of six treatments for longer-lasting results. The spa offers six for the price of five

The two-stage procedure takes around an hour to complete

Instantly visible results are promised after one session

Third Space Spa is accessible to members and non-members at Third Space in Canada Square. A first Jovena Face Stim costs £200.

Find out more about Jovena Face Stim at Third Space Spa here

Third Space Spa thearapist Samelia Connor

TRIED AND TESTED

By Jess Maddison

I am – in some ways – the ideal candidate to experience this treatment for a review.

My body has been blessed with many things, but prominent bone structure is not one of them.

I am therefore a good guinea pig to road test a treatment that claims to produce results of lifting, sculpting and tightening after only the first session.

Before my appointment at Third Space Spa for the Jovena Face Stim, I’ve also accidentally gone out every night for a week and my skin is definitely a bit dull and dehydrated.

The treatment is meant to promote a refreshed appearance, so I’m giving the technology a serious challenge.

To start things off, my face is cleansed. Then it all gets a bit unusual.

Conductive gel is applied and a little, warm device is moved over one half of my face. It’s like a small, friendly koala is massaging me with his tiny fingers.

This is the radio frequency treatment – the part that stimulates collagen production and, once I got used to the sensation, it was quite relaxing.

Then comes the next step and things get even more unusual.

This is the part where the therapist stimulates the muscles in your face like a mini gym work out.

It’s done with the same wand, but the koala has gone on his break.

The first jolt is definitely a shock – it’s like nothing I’ve ever felt before. Is it an electric pulse? Suction? It feels a little bit like an epilator.

It pulses all over one half of my face and this is where my therapist Samelia’s professionalism comes into play.

While the first few applications are a bit alarming her soft, hushed tones are there and she makes me laugh.

It’s not the most comfortable I have been in my life, but by the time we get round to doing the other half of my face I’ve gotten so used to things I’ve zoned out and am thinking about something else entirely.

The treatment begins with facial cleansing

The session ends with the removal of the conductive gel and a soothing application of moisturiser.

The results? In the mirror there stands before me someone who’s apparently had seven nights of blissful eight-hour sleep and green tea before bed.

The puffiness under my eyes is gone and it’s the same for my cheeks.

My skin is glowing, hydrated, smooth and tight. But that isn’t all.

The changes are subtle, but definitely there.

There is, without doubt, a small part of my chin that has been sucked up into my jaw.

The sides of my face are straighter and – what’s this? I can actually see an ever-so-small curve of a cheekbone.

Days later my skin feels just as smooth.

I’m amazed the results are still there when I wake up.

This is definitely not a typical facial but, with effects like these, bring on more koala massage and face pulsing.

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com

August 9, 2023August 9, 2023

Canary Wharf: How Jon Hala unexpectedly became a family business in Jubilee Place

Jada Hala grew up in salons and has now decided to follow her dad into hairdressing as the brand grows

From left, Violeta Hala, Jon Hala and Jada Hala all work at the salon

Subscribe to our Wharf Whispers newsletter here

Jon Hala has worked hard to establish the salon that bears his name in Canary Wharf’s Jubilee Place.

Opened the October before the first lockdown, the business came into its own as shaggy Wharfers sought solutions to their creative attempts at home haircare.

It’s since gone on to build up a loyal, ever-growing clientele of local residents and workers as well as some more unusual fans such as the Arsenal Women’s Football Team and the female mixed martial artists of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Having built up the salon to a staff of 20 alongside his wife Violeta (who oversees beauty services) Jon said a somewhat unexpected future now beckoned with his daughter’s increasing involvement.

“Jon Hala was never especially meant to be a family business,” he said. “It really happened by accident.

“During the pandemic, we had some members of staff return to their homes overseas.

“At the same time my daughter, Jada, decided to take a gap year after finishing school.

“There was a lot of pressure on my shoulders at that time because, while I had worked in and run successful salons, when it’s your own business it’s different – there were managerial aspects I’d not handled before so getting to grips with that was a big learning curve.

“Jada started working with us as a receptionist but before long, I started to give her more responsibility.

“Now we sit and do all kinds of things together – the VAT and the rotas – she’s involved in every aspect of the business.

“Then, one day, she told me she wanted to be a hairdresser, which was music to my ears.

“My father taught me my craft and now I’m in the process of teaching her.”

Jon Hala is located in Canary Wharf’s Jubilee Place

Jon grew up in his father’s salon in east London’s Leyton, sweeping floors and making teas and coffees for customers from a young age.

“It was a very tight-knit immigrant community of Turkish people,” he said.

“My dad had always been a hairdresser, learning his skills from his uncle and he had a very good reputation, opening six days a week and sometimes on Sundays too, especially for weddings.

“You have to be a sociable person – it’s long hours, but it’s a people job. I really enjoyed the attention I got from both my dad’s staff and the clients – I was this cute kid, running round making the drinks.

“It also seemed like the ideal job because if I liked a girl at school I could offer to cut their hair.

“There were a few mess ups at the start but that’s how you learn.”

Jon went on to train at Vidal Sassoon then spent around 16 years at Nicky Clarke in Mayfair before launching his eponymous salon in Canary Wharf.

“You have to dream a bit,” said the Isle Of Dogs resident. “You never know what will come of it.

“Opening this business in Canary Wharf was a dream and we’d love to expand, perhaps to another site on the estate.

“Naturally my dream for Jada would be for her to manage part of the business. You can always rely on family members, so that would be a really good position to be in.

“Right now my focus is on passing on my skills.

“She already has a head start because she’s grown up around the industry.

“With a family business it’s a different atmosphere to a chain – you can offer a more personal service and really look after your clients.

“But we also make sure we look after the people we work with – nobody gets forgotten here.

“The team has grown and it would be amazing to expand to take some of that extra volume.

“Ultimately my dream for Jada would be for her to take over – to drive the business forward even further in the digital era.”

That’s further down the line as Jada is currently focused on her training.

“Growing up, going into the industry was never really on the table,” she said.

“People would ask me if I would follow in dad’s footsteps and become a hairdresser, but I was against the idea – I wanted to break the tradition.

“But then I finished school just after Covid, which was all a bit of a mess. I was confused about what I wanted to do and what my options were and so I took a gap year.

“But rather than sit at home all day, I wanted to get a job.

“I was looking at vacancies and then my dad mentioned he was down a receptionist and suggested I could come and work for him.

“I don’t know why I hadn’t really considered it, because I had worked on Saturdays in the salon while I was at school.

“But I’d not thought about working there full-time.

“I was really only meant to do it for a year, but I quickly started taking on more than the reception duties.

“Having been around salons since I was about four, I knew what was entailed in growing and operating the business.

“So I started working as a junior in the salon and developed a real interest in how the various products worked and the science behind them.

“More and more, I wanted to be helping out with the physical work of the salon rather than just running reception.

“I found it came quite naturally, doing more things like blow dries for clients.

“So I’ve since started my training in earnest – I already knew the basics, but my dad is now passing on his skills to me and I’ve just finished my first colour course with Wella.

“As it’s a family business, I’m really here to support my dad. It’s up to me to keep things running smoothly when he’s not there.

“I’m naturally protective of the salon – it’s not just any company but one he’s worked so hard to establish.

“If another site were to open, I’d love to take the reins – it would be my dream.

“For me it’s really the end result for the client that’s important.

“When you make them feel good, you get the satisfaction of doing your job well and that’s amazing.”

You can find out more about the salon here

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

Subscribe to our Wharf Whispers newsletter here

- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com

July 13, 2023July 13, 2023

Royal Docks: How Royal Wharf Clinic offers a medical approach to aesthetic procedures

Founder Dr Shaan Mahmood on how a holistic approach to clients can yield desired results

Royal Wharf Clinic founder Dr Shaan Mahmood

Subscribe to our Wharf Whispers newsletter here

“I‘m aware that there aesthetic clinics where people are in it to make money, but I’m involved in this field because I want to improve people’s mental and medical health,” said Dr Shaan Mahmood.

The founder of Royal Wharf Clinic created the business – based in Cunningham Avenue near Pontoon Dock DLR station – with two clear aims in mind.

“I’d noticed that, because of things like social media, people are much more concerned about their image than they used to be,” he said.

“I wanted to offer individuals a holistic approach to aesthetic issues but also with their wider health.

“The idea was born out of frustration at not being able to provide the care for people that I wanted through my role as an NHS doctor working in a hospital.”

Initially Dr Shaan spent time pursuing medical research, gaining a masters from the University Of East Anglia’s Norwich Medical School before realising he preferred interacting with patients on a more personal level.

“I remain very interested in the science of medicine, but I like to have human contact as well,” he said.

“I prefer speaking to people to get information from them.

“There’s a lot of data inside our heads that can’t be measured, so you have to talk to people to access it.

“That’s why I moved on to doing hospital work, graduated and then, eight months later, the Covid pandemic arrived which was very tough to start with.

“Normally, as a junior doctor, you are assured that your senior colleagues are there for you and that your job is to absorb the experience and the protocols rather than to make serious decisions.

“In the pandemic, many of the older doctors were shielding and so the juniors had to step up.

“That experience accelerated my development as a doctor because it taught me to quickly clarify my thought processes, made me better as a worker and a member of a team and showed me that regardless of how you feel, the work needs to be done – so you crack on and do it.

“It was a really tough period and the burn-out rate among colleagues was high – but it resulted in me becoming a far better doctor than I might otherwise have become in that time.

“However, it also highlighted a lot of problems in the system. I love the NHS – having healthcare that is free at the point of delivery is very important and that’s why I continue to work for it.

“But what I didn’t enjoy was saying to patients that they would get an outpatients’ appointment in two weeks and then getting a call from them two months later when that hadn’t even been scheduled.

“I found I couldn’t guarantee what I was saying to people.

“That’s what Royal Wharf Clinic is about. When I say to people who come here that we can do something, then we can.

“If someone has an issue that we can’t address ourselves, then we will know someone who can help.”

Royal Wharf Clinic is located on Cunningham Avenue

On the face of it, Royal Wharf Clinic is divided into two areas of service – medical and aesthetic.

But as we talk, it becomes obvious Dr Shaan sees them as feeding into a single mission – how to help someone feel better, both physically and mentally.

To that end the clinic is fully equipped with a variety of consultation and treatment rooms and is currently constructing an on-site lab to bring wait times for test results down to a minimum.

“On the medical side, we do a lot of investigations that are primarily preventative,” said Dr Shaan.

“We offer blood tests, scans and consultations about nutrition and lifestyle – such as sleep, work and stress levels – and we try to pinpoint what a person’s goals are in life for their health and wellbeing.

“It’s not up to me to decide what will make someone better. It’s for me to ask what that is and then create a strategy to help people get there.

“A client might want to feel more energetic, for example, to reduce their stress levels, lose weight or gain some muscle.

“Of course, we can treat people if there is a medical problem or refer them to a specialist if necessary, but I’m a big proponent of preventative blood work to identify any deficiencies in the body.

“We have created a number of bespoke tests to address common complaints – tiredness for example.

“Our test will screen for certain conditions and 95% of time it’s likely to be one of those that is responsible.

“Another is iron deficiency – a person’s levels will be low three or four months before they develop anaemia but they may feel fine.

“If we identify that early then we can improve a person’s levels to head off any problems.

“My job is really to keep people out of hospital – to be their guardian angel. People can tell me what they want and we’ll give them advice on how to get there.”

Dr Shaan’s approach when it comes to aesthetic treatments is similar, following Royal Wharf Clinic’s tagline of “beauty carefully considered”.

The clinic’s Styku scanning room plus Emsculpt Neo

“The background knowledge I have from doing complex surgery contributes to the level of service we are able to offer clients,” he said.

“Overall there’s an emphasis on a more natural look in the field of aesthetics now.

“For example, many people prefer skin boosters rather than changing the shape of the body.

“People’s reasons for seeking aesthetic treatments are deeply personal but they always stem from a perception that there’s a problem to be fixed.

“There are two types of aesthetic treatment – preventative, such as washing and moisturising, and reactive where we’re trying to correct something.

“We will never look at a client and tell them what we think they should have done. It’s always up to the client to tell us what they think the problem is.

“For example, they might think they dislike the size of their nose or certain skin blemishes.

“Then I will make an assessment because some people suffer from dysmorphia and see a completely different person when they look in the mirror.

“As a doctor, it is my responsibility to look after their health so I’m not obliged to agree with a client’s assessment if treatment is unnecessary or might be detrimental to their health.

“This is something we take very seriously – because of social media we’re constantly exposed to images of others and can easily make unfavourable comparisons, which is more to do with a person’s mental health than their physical appearance.

“However, there are, of course, genuine deficiencies such as scarring, dry skin or areas damaged by acne that are causing misery and that we can get sorted.

“Then there are anti-ageing treatments. You can’t stop Father Time, but you can definitely slow him down.”

In addition to the medical services it offers, Royal Wharf Clinic boasts an extensive range of options to improve the appearance of or remove the likes of warts and verrucas, body hair, visible blood vessels and scars.

It also offers Emsculpt Neo treatments to help eliminate stubborn fat deposits.

You can find out more about Royal Wharf Clinic via this link

A treatment room at the clinic complete with 3Juve Laser

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

Subscribe to our Wharf Whispers newsletter here

- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com

November 10, 2021November 10, 2021

Canary Wharf: How Jon Hala’s salon is all set to get you looking your best for Christmas

Hair and makeup package offered for those special events alongside range of aesthetic treatments

Jon Hala opened his salon in Jubilee Place in 2019 – image Matt Grayson

Subscribe to Wharf Life’s weekly newsletter here

You can feel it, can’t you? With the decorations up throughout Canary Wharf’s malls, the festive season is upon us and, with last year’s celebrations curtailed by the pandemic, the estate is almost vibrating with anticipation for the parties and events to come.

Anyone who had previously taken winter festivities for granted has had a long 18 months of restrictions and lockdowns to provide a bit of perspective for 2021.

Little wonder then that venues are already reporting a surge of bookings with home and office workers alike apparently desperate for a bit of real-life face time.

The gyms’ treadmills and weights machines are working overtime as bodies softened by Zoom calls in bed and too many takeaways are honed back towards something approaching shredded perfection.

With serious pent up demand, everybody wants to look and feel their best – after all, Christmas comes but once a year and this one has even more traction that usual.

“People in Canary Wharf want glamour,” said Jon Hala. “And that’s what we’re all about.

“That means bouncy, beach wave and editorial-style blow-dries – the kind of thing you’d see in Vogue.

“Our aim is to make everyone feel amazing – totally comfortable in their own skin.”

The salon specialises in colour treatments – image Matt Grayson

Jon opened his eponymous salon at Jubilee Place in October 2019 as the culmination of decades working at the very top of the industry.

Training with Vidal Sassoon was followed by about 16 years at Nicky Clarke’s Mayfair salon, before going on to style A-list clients from the worlds of film and fashion.

As workers return to the estate’s offices and an increasing number of residents move to homes both on and close to the estate, Jon remains as determined as ever to deliver cutting edge services while remaining agile and adaptive to his client’s needs.

“We want to serve the people of Canary Wharf, to give them what they want as well as a great experience along the way,” he said. “We never turn clients away – we are very accommodating.

“If someone wants to come at 7am, they can – we call it the early bird appointment. It’s the same if it’s after hours and we never rush anybody.

“We’re independent and completely focused on customer service – we’re certainly not an average salon. We give clients little gifts, something they can take away as a thank you for coming here.

“It’s about bringing Knightsbridge to Canary Wharf – we have an amazing team who are all highly skilled and have worked in films, advertising and editorial.”

Those considering having their locks tamed by the salon can also be confident as staff regularly take time to consider trends, styles and fashions clients might want.

“Part of our training here is to hold monthly soirees, looking at magazines and working out what the next trends will be,” said Jon.

“The evenings are fun but educational – we put bullet points on a mirror and discuss what’s coming through.

“As a result of lockdown, for example, men have become used to having longer hair and many found they liked it.

“For women, it’s been a case of short bobs in case another lockdown happened. As a business we work with a lot of high end brands including haute couture house Balmain, which we’re ambassadors for, so we’re very up on the latest trends – we have to be.”

The salon specialises in colour services and offers products from brands such as Shu Uemura, Oribe, Sknhead, Kerastase and American Crew as well as making its own Miracle Masque.

Jon has also tailored his business to meet the very specific demands Canary Wharf generates and, having spotted a niche, the salon has launched a hair and beauty package designed to get clients ready for events, whether that’s for Christmas or at any other time over the course of a year.

“We’ve come up with an affordable combination of hair and makeup – inspired by salons in west London that offer everything under one roof,” he said.

“It costs £100 and that’s split equally between a blow-dry and make-up. It’s a good deal because just having the latter done professionally can be more than £70 alone.”

Violeta Hala oversees the aesthetic treatments – image Matt Grayson

The salon also now offers a range of aesthetic treatments overseen and delivered by Jon’s wife, Violeta.

Chief among the services it offers are a wide range of treatments using a NeoGen Plasma machine, which uses pulses of nitrogen plasma aimed at stimulating collagen production.

“When people are over 30 or 35, they start to realise that they have to take care of their skin, so we are providing a range of needle-free treatments using this machine,” said Violeta, right.

“It can be used to improve darker patches of skin, to lessen the appearance of rosacea and even to lift the eyebrows.

“There is literally no pain and, after a few treatments, people will start to see the results.

“It’s ideal for anyone who is scared of needles and doesn’t want to risk bruising on their face.

“There’s no downtime, so people can even pop in and have a treatment during their lunchbreak. It depends what we’re treating, but the process takes no longer than 40 minutes.

“The results are quite quick too – I would say three or four treatments to see improvements, so there’s still time to get it in time for Christmas.”

A client having a NeoGen Plasma treatment – image Matt Grayson

The salon also offers Mesotherapy for both beauty applications and to fight hair loss.

Violeta said: “We use nano-needles that are so small – so soft and tiny – that they don’t leave any bruising.

“We’re injecting 55 different vitamins, which includes four different amino acids into areas that require it. After three treatments you see amazing results and I would advise that it is repeated every four to six weeks.

“At the salon we also offer fat dissolving injections, which is a revolutionary new treatment that can be especially helpful after people have been sitting at home for long periods during the pandemic.

“It can be used to target anywhere on the body where fat has been stored – the legs, hips, chests, lower back, the arms, the knees and the chin – to break down the fat cells.

“Clients should see results after the second or third session but it has to be done gradually so your skin has time to adjust.”

Staff at the salon are happy to talk potential clients through the various aesthetic treatments offered and to explain in greater detail the sorts of results that can be expected.

Back on the hair side of the business, that’s also true as Jon always aims to give his customers what they want.

He said: “You can only ever suggest things to people – it’s about meeting halfway. I don’t ask a client: ‘What are we doing today?’.

“But I will recommend styles that will suit them. Then we do a two-step haircut where we take some off, then decide whether to go further. It always works out.”

Follow this link to make a booking at Jon Hala online

Read e-editions of Wharf Life’s print edition here

Subscribe to Wharf Life’s weekly newsletter here