Hi, I’m Mary the salon owner!

​

Welcome to our website. I'd like to tell you a bit about myself and Beauty Essence.

​

I was born in 1965 in Crowborough, E. Sussex, and now live in Grange Park, North London with my husband Mark and our twins Emily and Luke (born 2002). I spend my time working at the salon and in my home office.

​

During my childhood, I always enjoyed organising events, so my sister Frances and I would hold sales to raise money for charity. We started of fundraising for the World Wildlife Fund by having small sales in our home. This quickly escalated to us holding huge jumble sales in our garden, complete with a marquee on the back lawn. We raised money for the Leukemia Research Fund by holding these events annually. We would raise thousands and were always featured in the local newspapers. We even had to have the police involved, as the queues would form long before our official opening. We once asked the Queen to open the event. She declined but sent one of her ladies in waiting - the marchioness of Abergavenny.

​

I was a member of the Red Cross cadets. I've always loved helping people and this added to my knowledge as well as my practical ability. I attained many certificates for my First Aid and nursing training.

​

When I was 18 I moved to London to study beauty therapy. I initially lived in Balham, South London then moved to Colindale, North London. I qualified at the London College of Fashion in the summer of 1986 with a BTEC HND in Beauty Therapy & Business Management. In the autumn I started my career at Cannons Sports Club, EC4 as a Beauty Therapist.

​

I then took over the business when I was 22, which grew until I employed 12 Therapists. In 1997 Beauty Essence, in Bow Lane, EC4) went on the market. As this was our direct competitor, I decided it would be a good acquisition. Meanwhile, Vardon had taken over Cannons. I was bought out in 1998, so Vardon could make the sports club its flagship business. The club is now owned by Nuffield Health and is part of the fitness and well-being business. I have very happy memories of my years there. I met some incredible people and still see some of my clients I met there who are now good friends of mine.

​

Beauty Essence went from strength to strength. In 2004 we decided we needed more space and property became available in 7 Well Court, just off Bow Lane, EC4M 9DN – 020 7248 0127. A huge building project ensued and I learned how to cope with many stresses. We moved in January 2006 to a gorgeous new huge salon. It gave us the much-needed space, which meant we could expand our treatment range.

​

We look forward to meeting you. Do have a look at our Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter pages for all the latest news, offers and information.

You can BOOK ONLINE! This is a great way to preserve your privacy in the office and make bookings 24 hours a day.

In 2012 we added 2 more treatment rooms to the salon, so we now have 8 treatment rooms, 3 manicure desks, and a pedicure chair. In 2013 we had all the doors in the salon soundproofed, fitted new memory foam mattresses and had a new sound system installed. In 2013 four of our therapists became mums!

​

Now a little bit about me, I have mentioned my husband Mark and my twins Emily and Luke. Mark and I got married in 2015 in Southwold and honeymooned in Barbados. When I am away from the salon I always like to keep busy! I love to restore old furniture, and after moving into our new home in 2015 I have been busy working through each room painting and renovating any tables, chairs, and cupboards I can find. I also love cooking, baking cakes for my family and friends. Needless to say, the gym has become my best friend! I try to start each day with yoga on zoom and exercise whenever it's possible.

​

​

As you can see in the image below, I received my Freedom of the City of London on the 18th of April 2019 at Mansion House.
The Lord Mayor hosted the event and our Court of Common Councillors - Cordwainer Ward, Sir Michael Snyder, and Alexander Robertson Martin Barr were there to support us.

It's a real honor to be included in the 100 women to commemorate the centenary of the Representation of the People Act 1918.

​

in 2020 Covid hit which initiated many changes in the salon. We were left reeling from having to go into lockdown. We took the opportunity to complete the redecoration and new image of the salon. We updated furniture and re soundproofed.

We are now  building our business back up to what it used to be even better than before.