This is the second in a new series of “Meet the…” articles about our local shops, researched and written by Councillor Sarah Godfrey.
Hiding at the very end of Kempson Street awaits Ruddington’s newest business: a Miami-style bohemian oasis called Hidden Salon.
The salon specialises in lashes, brows, nails and hair, and they’re open late on Tuesdays and Thursdays for those with busy lives.
The owner, Natasha Curley, knew it was the right time to open up her very own salon. After 25 years in the business, she’s realised her dream – right in the heart of the village she loves!
I met up with Natasha to ask her a few questions.
Q. What’s your favourite hair or beauty trend at the moment?
A. It has to be ‘The Brow!’ I love perfectly-formed eyebrows as they just make such a difference to your face.
Q. If you could ‘quantum leap’ into the past to do hair and beauty, what decade would you choose?
A. It would have to be the 1960s. Everything was much bigger and bolder, like Twiggy’s ‘Smoky Eye’ look.
Q. Who are your beauty heroines?
A. One is Caroline Flack – I’ve tried to copy her hair on many occasions. And doesn’t love good old Holly Willoughby?
Q. If you weren’t doing beauty, what other job would you do?
A. Hmmm. Probably something food related as I’m a real foodie! I love making it – and eating it too!
Q. What do you like about working in Ruddington?
A. I love the village feel and knowing lots of people. Rudd has such a great comunity spirit.
Q. What do you like to do in Rudd on your time off?
A. I enjoy going for a walk in the Country Park then having lunch at one of our great pubs.
Q. What do you think is the secret to your success?
A. Treating people well is so important in this industry. People’s lives are so hectic and I just want my clients to enjoy their experience in the salon, sometimes chatting and listening, and sometimes laughing together.
Q. What advice would you give to a young person who wants to get into the business?
A. Take your time to listen to your clients!
Q. Any quick beauty tips you’ll be happy to share?
A. Even if you don’t wear make-up, take time to keep your eyebrows neat. This will open up your eyes, making you look fresher.
Q. Any funny stories you’d like to share with us?
A. So many funny stories but we’re big on client confidentiality. What goes on in the salon stays in the salon!
Natasha is currently on the look-out for a talented beauty therapist to join the team. If you’re interested, contact the salon on 0115 874 9224.
Good luck with your new venture, Natasha!
Councillor Sarah Godfrey