CORNERING the market

Clare Ash, owner of Corner House Beauty & Hair in North Lincolnshire, shares her treatment philosophy and why education is vital to her business

What’s the story behind Corner House Beauty & Hair?

“22 years ago, aged 19, I took the leap to become self-employed. I was given the opportunity to rent a room within a building offering various complementary therapies. I had a passion for all things skin, so I knew I wanted to specialise in skincare but with a point of difference.

“At the time, most salons in our area were offering traditional facials. I’d been researching oxygen facials and other technologies like microdermabrasion and knew this was the direction I wanted to go in.

“To fund it, I turned to The Prince’s Trust and Business Link Humber, who played a key role in helping me get started. Two years later, I bought the building and started to build the Corner House team.”

How has the business continued to evolve over the years?

“I started with one therapist, Charlotte, who is now our assistant manager, followed by Nikki, who became salon manager. We also had a small team of self-employed hairstylists. When our second therapist joined, we began offering lash, nail and massage treatments. By 2014, we’d grown to a team of 18.

“My passion has always been skin, but to meet growing client demand, we expanded our offering to include laser, brows, nails and body treatments. I think our longevity comes down to having a loyal, talented team. Their personalities gel well, and each one has built a strong client base. Clients come to see their therapist, but they also enjoy the welcoming, collective vibe of the whole team.

“We’re selective about the treatments and brands we work with. I avoid flash-in-the-pan trends – it’s more important that what we offer delivers real results. That trust has created long-term loyalty, which has carried us through some very tough times.”

What makes the Corner House client experience stand out?

“We’re known for our happy environment – we laugh a lot! Many clients become friends, which is lovely, but we never forget that this is a professional service. Clients are trusting us with both their money and their time. We always keep that in mind and make sure they receive honest, effective advice and treatments, delivered in a friendly but professional way.”

You have a skilled, close-knit team. How do you cultivate that culture?

“We champion our team’s individual interests and strengths, and support them with education from leading providers. Many of them have been with us for over 10 years. Watching them grow from shy apprentices into confident, highly skilled therapists has been a real privilege.”

How do you keep the team up to date with industry trends?

“We invest in continuous training with our existing brand partners, read Professional Beauty and attend trade shows. Staying current is a priority for us.”

Advanced skincare is a key focus – how do you choose which technologies to bring in?

“Listening to our clients is the biggest indicator. They’re savvy and always on the lookout for innovations. I look at what we offer, identify gaps, and avoid jumping on trends that don’t have longevity. Treatments must be effective and results driven.”

How do you tailor treatments to individual clients – especially when combining advanced and essential services?

“We never rush into intensive treatments. More clients are coming to us with impaired skin barriers from using harsh products, so we often have to rebuild skin health before moving on to more advanced options. Skin journeys aren’t always linear, and trust between therapist and client takes time.

“Common concerns include ageing, pigmentation and rosacea. We always start with a consultation and often a Dermalogica Pro 60 treatment to see how the skin responds, before building a bespoke plan. For issues like excess hair, we offer laser if suitable. And for clients looking to simplify their routine, treatments like LVL lashes and microblading are really popular.”

You’ve worked with Dermalogica from the start – what drew you to the brand?

“I was lucky to work with Dermalogica during college, back when they had a partnership programme. I loved the products and quickly realised how effective they were across different skin types. When I launched the business, Dermalogica was the only brand I wanted to use. Their focus on results aligns perfectly with what our clients want.”

How does Dermalogica support your business?

“Our Dermalogica business consultant Alice is fantastic – she’s always there when we need her and even co-hosted a launch party with us. Dermalogica’s training is exceptional. Taking time out of the salon is expensive, but their education is always worthwhile. We’ve been proud to be recognised as a Platinum Partner for the past three years, which really reinforces our commitment to education and skin results.”

Do you have favourite Dermalogica products or treatments?

“I love the Pro-Collagen Banking Serum – it leaves skin hydrated and plumped. The new Magnetic Afterglow Cleanser also leaves the skin feeling incredibly smooth. Treatment-wise, Pro Microneedling with Exobooster is a standout – it boosts collagen, smooths fine lines and leaves the skin glowing.”

You offer some cutting-edge treatments – what results are you seeing?

“We’ve seen rise in demand for non-injectable anti-ageing options, and the launch of Dermalogica’s Exobooster came at the perfect time. Exosomes have become a buzzword and clients are curious. It’s amazing to offer something that delivers visible results with little downtime.

“Microneedling is another top performer – we get excellent outcomes for lines, open pores, pigmentation and scarring. Pro Restore has elevated those results further.

“Luminfusion is perfect for clients wanting that ‘glass skin’ glow. It works beautifully as a pre-event treatment or as part of a regular routine.”

How do you measure success – for treatments and the business overall?

“Client feedback is vital. We’re fortunate to receive regular, valuable insights from our clients, which helps us refine our treatment plans. We also take before-and-after photos to track progress for skin, body and laser services.”

Looking ahead, which innovations are you most excited about and what’s next for Corner House?

“Definitely exosomes – they offer impressive results and are easy to integrate for both client and therapist. We’re also exploring buccal and sculpting massage – it’s been around for years but is gaining real traction again. I think it’s going to be a great addition to our offering.”