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Llantwit Major has a reputation for being pretty laid back. One of the reasons may be due, in no small part, to a wonderful salon on East Street that goes by the name of...
SUN KISSED!
Vicki - Whats your background?
I have lived in Llantwit since the age of six, attending Ham Lane Primary school and Llantwit Major Comprehensive. I moved to Cardiff in my twenties for a few years but Llantwit has a funny way of drawing you back home and I returned with my husband and young daughter. Eighteen months after opening Sunkissed my second daughter was born – it was a pretty hectic time!
When did you set up Sunkissed?
February, 2005
Why did you set it up?
My husband thought I needed a challenge!
Why did you choose Llantwit Major as the venue?
Having lived in Llantwit for most of my life, it was great to have the opportunity to open a business in an area where a lot of my friends and family still live. Knowing Llantwit, I knew that it exuded friendliness, warmth and a lack of pretentiousness that I knew would be vital to the success of my business.
Are all your staff local?
Yes, mostly.
How many staff do you employ?
Six.
What services do you offer?
A full range of beauty and tanning treatments. Dermalogica facials, massage (aromatherapy and Swedish), hot stone massage, Indian head massage, Hopi ear candles, reflexology, thermal body treatments i.e. wraps and full body exfoliations, injectable antiwrinkle treatments, dermal fillers, spray tanning, pedicures, manicures, nail enhancements, pamper packages, ear piercing, waxing, tinting and sunbeds. In other words, there aren’t many treatments that we don’t offer! I really think it’s important to give our clients as much choice as possible. Adjacent to Sunkissed we also have a gentleman’s barbers called ‘Nutz’ that we opened eighteen months ago.
Are your staff fully trained?
All our therapists are fully qualified and experienced in all aspects of beauty. Every member of staff is also fully trained with Dermalogica at The International Dermal Institute. We believe that product knowledge is an essential part of our service.
What products do you offer?
Dermalogica, Creative, Orly and Su-Do are our main products. Dermalogica specialises in face mapping, which prescribes the individual client with the exact products to suit their skin type. All staff have attend the training at The International Dermal Institute; we also receive regular in-house training from our Dermalogica Representative, who keeps us up-dated on new products and market trends etc.
What are your specialities?
I would say that our speciality is giving individual attention to each client and offering them a friendly, relaxing experience.
What type of clients do you serve?
Our clients range from the young to the more mature client, both male and female.
Are they local?
We do have local clients, but also clients that travel some distance from the surrounding areas
Do any come from afar?
Yes, we have many clients that travel to us, as we are situated in a very easily accessible area and offer client-friendly opening hours.
Are they mostly regulars?
A very large percentage of our clients have been coming to us since we opened, often recommending family and friends. The majority of new clients have come from recommendations. This tells me that we’re doing something right!
What do you think you provide that other spas or salons don’t?
Many of our customers comment on the friendly, relaxed atmosphere within the salon. This is what we aim to achieve.
Do you choose products that other salons don’t stock, if so, why?
We have chosen two market leaders as our main products. Both Dermalogica and Creative are top of their field.
How do you research products?
I could tell you that we do all sorts of highly specialised market research to investigate new products, but the truth is my friends, family and clients let me know what kind of treatments and products they are particularly interested in. I’m always on the look out for new treatments that would appeal to my clients and of course, I’ve got to try out any products or treatments before we bring them into the salon – so I get a little bit of pampering too!
Why do you go to Sunkissed?
Quite simply it’s the most relaxed and friendly salon that I have ever had the privilege to go to and light years away from the stiff and intimidating surroundings of other salons.
How did that come about?
We own a local engineering company and I first called in on the off chance hoping to find an emergency spray tan and they couldn’t have been more obliging and helpful. That was two years and many tans ago!
Have you been back for more?
Oh yes, more everything!
What treatments do you have?
I have nail extensions, manicures and pedicures. My daughter, Jenny, (another convert!) and I have also been introduced to a whole new skin regime. After having Dermalogica Facials with complementary samples of products, we have seen the benefits and now use a selection of Dermalogica skincare products. The staff are never pushy and are always available with welcome advice. My family will always be in debt to Sunkissed because I’ve never been so easy to buy presents for at Christmas and birthdays and they spoil me with gift vouchers. So, I’m lucky enough to report first hand that the Indian Head Massage and amazing Hot Stone Therapy has to be (in my opinion) the ultimate in luxury relaxation!
What do you like about Sunkissed?
Every time I enter the salon, I know that I’m going to be enveloped in a warm and friendly atmosphere. From receptionist to therapist, they all have the unique ability to maintain a professional but friendly balance and over time they have become more like good friends.
But don’t take my word for it, call in for a coffee and a chat and see for yourself!
Linda Llewellyn
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