Our Team

Why did you choose the beauty profession? By accident really; I wanted to travel so thought cruise ships were the way to go and after investigating different roles and what qualifications were needed I decided to train as a Beauty Therapist (I didn’t fancy two years of cocktail school to learn how to make a few drinks!) I never did make it to the cruise ships but I certainly got to travel!

How long have you worked for k:SPA? From day 1.

How would you describe k:SPA? A very relaxed yet professional salon with excellent customer service. A place where you are taken care of and are always a priority, somewhere to experience top class treatments from around the world.

How would your clients describe you? Genuine, an expert, very gutsy.

What is your favourite treatment? It would have to be facials; if you are not happy with your skin it can affect you in so many ways. I love the fact that I have helped so many people achieve the best skin they can. To see confidence grow and return is a powerful thing.

What is your favourite Dermalogica product? Only one?! It would have to be Special Cleansing Gel – it’s the perfect all-round cleanser and I’ve been using it now for 18 years so it must be good!

What is your favourite pampering product? It has to be the Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Mind Bath and Shower Oil – it smells divine and because I can never turn my brain off about what new things to bring to k:SPA it helps me switch off and sleep better at night!

What is the best part of your day? First thing – who knows what the day will bring. It’s great to get the girls all organised and motivated so that they enjoy themselves at work too.

What’s your favourite colour? Instinctively I say red but right now I would have to say aqua is the colour of the moment.

What’s your favourite food? It has to be Italian – I am a pastaholic!

How do you spend your time off? What is time off?! I often spend time with family and friends which usually involves lots of eating and drinking. I also enjoy experiencing new treatments and visiting spas when I get the chance.

What would you do if you didn’t have to go to work? I would probably still do what I do; I love the industry and can’t imagine not working in it. Although I would probably have a lot more holidays in some very exotic locations!

Why did you choose the beauty profession? I love to make a difference to people. Achieving great results, making people feel better about themselves. There is always something new to learn and challenges to face.

How long have you worked for k:SPA? I started in 2013; it’ a lovely place to work, so welcoming and friendly.

How would you describe k:SPA? Welcoming and friendly, a sanctuary for many to relax.

How would your clients describe you? That I am always smiling and welcoming!

What is your favourite treatment, and why? Jessica GELeration is a top contender for me – I am quite active and cannot sit around waiting for my nails to dry! They dry instantly and last for ages, even when I play netball.

What is your favourite Dermalogica product? There is always something new to try and love. However, I think my next purchase and new favourite would have to be the Total Eye Care, it brightens the eye immediately and reduces fine lines – what’s not to love?!

What is your favourite pampering product? When there is time for a pamper, I like to look after my feet! A good foot scrub and moisturiser from the Jessica are firm favourites.

What is the best part of your day? The evening – kicking off your work shoes and replacing them with your slippers for a night in or putting your heels on for a lovely night out with friends.

What’s your favourite colour? Oh, tough choice! I love bright colours, particularly in the summer, so orange and lime green are high on the list and bring out the summer in me all year round.

What’s your favourite food? I love all good food, but am particularly partial to a good cheese board.

How do you spend your time off? Playing netball – it’s good for the social life, motivation and fitness. I also love to spend my free time with family and friends – we do like a good cocktail party!

What would you do if you didn’t have to work? It would be lovely to do a world cruise. Good food, shopping, hot beaches, spa treatments, unlimited baggage allowance (for all the shopping!)… the luxuries are limitless!

Why did you choose the beauty profession? I have always had a passion for beauty and to be able to make others feel great is the best feeling.

How long have you worked for k:SPA? I joined the team in April 2018, every day is new and exciting and I am loving every minute!

How would you describe k:SPA? Friendly and welcoming; the perfect place to put your feet up and relax.

How would your clients describe you? I think they would say I am very friendly and bubbly; I love a good chat.

What is your favourite treatment? I love all treatments but facials are my favourite. Helping people to relax whilst helping them to achieve their healthiest skin ever is very satisfying.

What is your favourite Dermalogica product? Skin Perfect Primer SPF30 – I love how it makes my make-up last all day.

What is your favourite pampering product?  The ZenSpa foot scrub because I love how soft it makes my feet, it smells amazing too.

What is the best part of your day? Bedtime; nothing better than getting into bed after a long day at work.

What’s your favourite colour? I love a blue, whether it’s bright or dark.

What’s your favourite food? I like all different foods but a good Italian is definitely at the top.

How do you spend your time off? I love socialising whether it be with family or friends enjoying a nice lunch out.

What would you do if you didn’t have to go to work? Travel the world! I love visiting new places with different cultures and experiencing new foods.

  Name : Lu

Position at k:SPA : Senior Therapist

How long have you been part of the k:SPA team? : Eight years this October.

How long have you worked in the beauty, skin or wellbeing industry? : More than 30 years.

1. What first made you want to work in the beauty, skin or wellbeing industry? I originally wanted to become a make-up artist and join the BBC Apprenticeship Programme, which required hair and beauty qualifications. Sadly, by the time I qualified, the BBC had discontinued the programme – but my training led me to a career I have loved for more than 30 years.

2. What is your favourite treatment to carry out at k:SPA and why? My heart always brings me back to connection and wellbeing. I have a real passion for skin science, as well as creating a safe and welcoming space for my clients. Whether it is through a facial, massage or another treatment, I love helping people feel cared for.

3. What do you most enjoy about looking after your clients? Creating a moment that is entirely for them – a chance to pause, breathe and simply switch off.

4. What do you do to help a nervous or first-time client feel comfortable? I begin by listening to them and understanding any concerns they may have. From there, I help them find a sense of calm, whether that is through gentle breathwork, reassurance or simply taking the time to listen.

5. What do you hope every client feels when they leave an appointment with you? Calm, restored and happy – whether that means feeling energised or deeply relaxed.

6. What do you love most about being part of the k:SPA team? We are such a happy and supportive team. I feel truly blessed to work alongside such a wonderful group of women.

7. Finish this sentence: You should book an appointment with me if... You have concerns about your skin, or simply want to relax and unwind with a restorative massage.

Is there a particular skin concern, treatment or area of beauty that you especially enjoy helping clients with? I particularly enjoy helping clients with acne, breakouts and menopause-related skin concerns.

What does your perfect day off look like? A sunrise walk on the beach, followed by yoga, reading and baking sourdough.

What are you currently watching, reading or listening to? Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés.

Tea or coffee? Coffee.

Early bird or night owl? Early bird.

Facial or massage? Both!

Beach walk, countryside walk or cosy day at home? Countryside walk.

Quiet treatment room or a good chat? It depends on the mood.

One skincare product you wouldn’t want to be without? An active formula.

Your perfect way to spend a spare hour? Baking or reading.

What would you say to someone who has been considering booking at k:SPA but feels a little unsure or nervous about coming in for the first time?

Book in – we are all lovely! Please do not feel nervous or keep putting it off. Come and meet us, enjoy some time for yourself and let us help you feel completely at ease.

Name : Issy

Position at k:SPA : Graduate Therapist

How long have you been part of the k:SPA team? Two months.

How long have you worked in the beauty, skin or wellbeing industry? One year.

1. What first made you want to work in the beauty, skin or wellbeing industry? I have always been interested in beauty and wellbeing, and I love being able to help people feel good about themselves.

2. What is your favourite treatment to carry out at k:SPA and why? My favourite treatment is the monthly Wellness Experience. It is always something different and not one of the standard treatments we offer at k:SPA. Sophie and I get to design it together, and I love how relaxing it is for our clients.

3. What do you most enjoy about looking after your clients? I love giving clients the chance to take their minds off whatever may be happening in their lives and enjoy some well-deserved time for themselves.

4. What do you do to help a nervous or first-time client feel comfortable? I talk them through the treatment, explain what they can expect and reassure them that they are in safe hands at k:SPA.

5. What do you hope every client feels when they leave an appointment with you? I hope every client leaves feeling listened to, relaxed and genuinely cared for.

6. What do you love most about being part of the k:SPA team? I love how close and caring the k:SPA team is, as well as the lovely relationships we have with our clients.

7. Finish this sentence: You should book an appointment with me if... You love feeling refreshed and relaxed.

What is one treatment you think more clients should know about? I think more people should know about Wellness Wednesday at k:SPA. It includes both a massage and a facial, making it the perfect treatment when you want to completely relax, switch off and enjoy some time for yourself.

What does your perfect day off look like? Going out for a lovely breakfast, taking a walk along the beach and then coming home to get cosy and watch a film.

What part of your training or professional development are you most proud of? I am most proud of the lovely reviews and feedback I have received from clients. It shows me that I am helping them feel comfortable, relaxed and well looked after.

Tea or coffee? Neither – Pepsi!

Early bird or night owl? Night owl.

Facial or massage? Facial.

Beach walk, countryside walk or cosy day at home? Beach walk.

Quiet treatment room or a good chat? A good chat.

One skincare product you wouldn’t want to be without? Moisturiser.

Your perfect way to spend a spare hour? Just chilling.

What would you say to someone who has been considering booking at k:SPA but feels a little unsure or nervous about coming in for the first time?

There is no need to feel worried. k:SPA is such a warm and welcoming place, and everyone will make sure you feel comfortable and well looked after from the moment you arrive.

Name : Sophie Longden-Thurgood

Position at k:SPA : Graduate Therapist

How long have you been part of the k:SPA team? Two years this October.

How long have you worked in the beauty, skin or wellbeing industry? Three years.

1. What first made you want to work in the beauty, skin or wellbeing industry? I loved the idea of being able to look after someone and help them care for their skin. I wanted a career that allowed me to create a calming experience for myself while also helping clients reach that same relaxed state of mind.

2. What is your favourite treatment to carry out at k:SPA and why? I am torn between massages and facials. I love how rewarding it is when a client can really feel the difference after a massage. There is also something about the flow of both treatments – the touch, pressure, scents and rhythm – that makes me enjoy performing them every day.

3. What do you most enjoy about looking after your clients? I love knowing that my clients feel they can trust me. It is lovely to build relationships with regular clients, catch up with them and sometimes even talk about the deeper things in life.

4. What do you do to help a nervous or first-time client feel comfortable? Consultations are everything. I sit down with my client and really listen to what they need. I always smile, help them feel understood and reassure them that there is nothing to feel embarrassed about. We are on the journey together.

5. What do you hope every client feels when they leave an appointment with you? Relaxed, uplifted and happy, as well as inspired to make a little more time for self-care.

6. What do you love most about being part of the k:SPA team? I love the sense of community, the friendships we create with the people we work alongside and the opportunities and training we receive to learn new skills.

7. Finish this sentence: You should book an appointment with me if... You need some downtime, want to reset or simply need someone who will listen and care.

What does your perfect day off look like? A morning gym session, followed by a trip to B&M or Home Bargains and cake in a café for lunch. Then I would come home, put on some fresh pyjamas and enjoy a cup of tea and dinner on my lap while watching a film.

What is one treatment you think more clients should know about? The Wellness Ritual at k:SPA. It is the ultimate reset – a 90-minute treatment that leaves you feeling like a new person.

Is there a particular skin concern, treatment or area of beauty that you especially enjoy helping clients with? I love using massage to help relieve tension. I also really enjoy Cryotherapy because we have seen some amazing results, helping our clients feel more confident.

Tea or coffee? Tea all the way.

Early bird or night owl? Early bird.

Facial or massage? Massage.

Beach walk, countryside walk or cosy day at home? It depends on the weather and my mood.

Quiet treatment room or a good chat? Quiet treatment room.

One skincare product you wouldn’t want to be without? Eye cream.

Your perfect way to spend a spare hour? Baking.

What would you say to someone who has been considering booking at k:SPA but feels a little unsure or nervous about coming in for the first time?

Everyone at k:SPA is so kind and understanding. We will help you feel comfortable from the moment you arrive, and you can be reassured that it is always a safe and welcoming space.