Name: Maxine Brooks   Position: Therapist, Teviot Salon   Qualifications: Mary Reid Diploma ITEC CIDESCO Murad Signature Treatments MD Formulations - Skin Care Eporex Health & Beauty Station Jane Iredale Mineral Cosmetics Priori Advanced AHA and Idebenone Advanced IPL Hair Reduction

Background

Maxine excelled at college in all areas and was quickly snapped up by Zen as recommended by her college lecturers as having natural talent for the industry. Maxine is meticulous in every treatment and is a dedicated staff member. You would feel confident in recommending your friends to have a treatment with her knowing the level of service they would receive.

Specialist Treatment

Maxine is a thorough and efficient waxer even in the "oohh so tender areas"!! She specialises in corrective facials and loves to see the results after each treatment. Her calm and VERY laid back attiude can make you feel relaxed from just talking to her. Don't let the fact she's too pretty put you off she doesn't realise!!

Personal

"I wanted to find work somewhere that I could continue to learn and get trained to a really high standard, all the lecturers at college said Zen was the place to try and get into. I was absolutely delighted when I was successful in securing a position here. It is so professional and continually changing".

Name: Lou Graham   Position: Therapist - Teviot Salon   Qualifications: HND at Telford College. Elemis trained. Advanced MD Formulations. Glycolic and Alpha Beta Peels Endermologie

Background

Lou has a fabulous warm personality and is always genuinely interested in whats happening in your life so proves to be very popular. Lou is a very thorough Therapist who pays particular attention to detail and has built up an excellent clientele. Lou combines her work as a Zen  therapist with lecturing and teaching beauty therapy at Telford College.

Specialist Treatment

Not only does Lou specialise in waxing treatments from Eyebrow Shaping to Brazilian and Hollywood bikini waxing but she has also been promoted to specialise in the MD Formulations Glycolic and Alpha Beta peels and her extensive training has provided her with excellent product knowledge. She also has really wonderful hands for massage. Lou has been a wonderful asset to Zen and has an amazing flare and passion for beauty therapy.

Personal

Lou does have the reputation for being exceptionally tidy and has earned her the nick name of Monica! She spends some of her spare time on skype, keeping up with her 2 sisters who are both working overseas.

Name: Sinead O'Neill Position: Therapist, Teviot Salon Qualifications: CIBTAC beauty qualifications: Body Therapy, Aethetics, Electrolysis ITEC Qualifications: Body Therapy, Aethetics, Electrolysis Jessica Product Knowledge Elemis product knowledge Murad Product Knowledge and Facials Priori Advanced Peels & Product Knowledge Diamontome Microdermabrasion

Background

After completing her beauty course in her native Ireland, Sinead moved to Edinburgh and spent a couple of years learning the ropes at One Spa in the Sheraton hotel. Her she developed a great introduction to a wide range of relaxing treatments, especially body treatments, different massage styles and spa facials.

Specialist Treatment

Since making themove to Zen Sinead has specialised in more advanced anti-ageing facials, corrective skin treatments and treatments for cellulite and fat reduction. She is a particular fan of Mesotherpay for fat and cellulite reduction, a treatment which she always finds delivers great results for her clients. 

Personal

Sinead is a great socialiser and loves to spend time with friends and family. However, she has recently returned to the salon after a period of maternity leave. So with a partner and baby to look after, as well as a demanding job at Zen Lifestyle, Sinead is rarely short of things to do with her time.

Name: Julie Brown   Position: Senior Therapist - Teviot   Qualifications: HND in Beauty Therapy at Telford College. Professional Training and certificates includes: Elemis Face and Eyes; Murad Face and Body; MD Formulations Priori Advanced AHA; Priori Idebenone Jane Iredale mineral make-up Eporex Mesotherpay DiamondTome Microdermabrasion Nouveau Lashes semi-perm eyelash extensions LVL advanced eyelash perming

Background

Julie has been working part time in Zen since the beginning of 2006 while studying for her HND which she has now completed and is delighted to be a full time member of the team at Teviot.

Specialist Treatment

Julie is passionate about the beauty industry and was Awarded the MicroDermabrasion Award while at College. Julie has been trained to an exceptionally high standard since starting at Zen and is an excellent all rounder. Fiona says; "Julie is agem of a therapist and performs all her treatments to a very very high standard. Her client care skills are a great example to any new staff we have joinging the team."

Personal

Julie is an original Edinburgh born and bred girl, who loves to shop, dance and generally have a good time. She likes to keep fit with dance classes and keep fit dvds (..Fame!). She likes to travel and meet new people and experience different cultures. In 2008 she took a few months off to travel in Australia and Thailand. Fortunately we managed to get her back!

SVQ Leve 2 & 3 Beauty Therapy at Telford College
Bio Sculpture Gel Nails

Name: Katie Fraser   Position: Therapist, Teviot Salon   Qualifications: SVQ Leve 2 & 3 Beauty Therapy at Telford College Bio Sculpture Gel Nails

Background

Katie worked as a make-up artisit for Yves Saint Laurent before a spell at the Mcdonald Holyrood hotel spa. Like many of our well travelled therapists Katie spent 8 months living and working in Australia to broaden her knowedge and experience. On her return to Edinburgh she worked in another Edinburgh salon before deciding to progress her career through the skills training avaliable at Zen.

Specialist Treatment

Katie is our in-house Gel Nails supremo: she is really fab at the 3 week manicure and 3 week pedicure with the Bio Sculpture gel nail system. "I love the long-lasting improvement to the nails you can get with these new gel nails. Aslo the difference you see in how your hands look before and after the treatment is really amazing." Katie also does a really great massage.

Personal

Katie enjoys travelling and learning about other countries and cultures. Some of her hobbies include running, dancing and ski-ing.

Name: Jill Stott   Position: Therapist, Bruntsfield Salon   Qualifications: HND in Beauty Therapy, Telford College

Background

Whilst studying for her HND in beauty therapy Jill worked in a small salon part-time. After finishing college she worked as a therapist at One Spa in the Sheraton Hotel before deciding that she really wanted to experience a wider range of treatments and training.

Specialist Treatment

Jill's favourite treatments are facials and massage. "I love doing any treatments that are relaxing and make the clients leave the salon feeling better" says Jill. "I get really good feedback from massage clients. It's great to know that you are making a difference." 

Personal

Jill likes to keep fit by going to the gym and swimming. She also loves music and goes to concerts and live performances whenever her fave bands are in town.

Name: Suzanne Bain   Position: Receptionist - Teviot Place   Qualifications: SVQ Level 2 & 3 Beauty Therapy ITEC Diploma in Theatrical and Media Make-up Elemis Face & Eyes, Tri Enzyme Permenant Hair Removal Ellipse Intense Pulsed Light Glycolic Peels and MD Formulations

Background

Suzanne studied beauty therapy at Edinburgh's Telford College. She then moved to Liverpool to study Theatrical Make-up and worked for four years as a therapist. Suzanne then took a year out to go travelling and visited Australia and South east Asia. She then returned home to Edinburgh and joined the team at Zen in September 2006.

Personal

Zen was recommended to me from another therapist friend who had heard of the salon. I was told they had an amazing reputation and knew it would be a company where I would like to further my career. I enjoy working at Zen becuase it is a lovley enviroment to work in both staff and clients. I can't really imagine working in any other industry. Fiona says "Suzi has made the transition from therpaist to receptionist as if she was born for her new role. Her depth of knowledge makes her the perfect person to consult for advice on treatments and products. We love her postive and calm attitude in the salon."

Name: Jen Robb   Position: Senior Therapist - Bruntsfield Place   Qualifications: Mary Reid Diploma, ITEC. Elemis: Face & Eyes.

Background

Jen was awarded Student of the Year 2005-2006 at Mary Reid, she is qualified in both Beauty and Body, Aromatherapy and Indian Head massage.

Specialist Treatment

Since starting at Zen Lifestyle in July 2006 Jen has loved meeting new clients and catching up with reqular clients for a chat. Jen specialises in and loves all facial treatments especially the Elemis Spa Facials and the Zen Signature Facials. She is also a dab hand at the Ellipse permanent hair reduction. Jen is hugley professional and an extremely dedicated member of staff, being careful to carry out all treatments to perfection. She takes her work very seriously and builds up a close rapport with her clients very quickly. Jen is an extremely caring therapist.

Personal

Jen loves to travel and has been to many wonderful places including Australia, the Maldives and Hawaii. Jen also loves spending quality time with her husband, family and friends. She enjoys nights out to the theatre and dining out. Jen is a cat lover and enjoys the company of her own two moggies. "I really love the staff, the ambience, the clientele and the treatments"

Name: Fiona Fowley   Position: Director   Qualifications: Fiona has been in the Beauty Therapy industry for the past 18 years. Her qualifications include: 2 year HND in beauty therapy Certificate in Thai massage where she studied in Chaing Mai; fully trained at the Aveda Institute in Sydney; various accounting and management courses; NLP practitioner

Background

Fiona started her career in Edinburgh setting up the beauty room at Cheynes in Drumsheugh Place, where she built up the business over 4 years. Then after travelling extensively in Asia, India and Australasia, where Fiona studied a range of Asian and other alternative holistic treatment schools, Fiona realised that there was an element missing in the industry in the UK- this was the genesis of Zen Lifestyle. Over the years the range of treatments has grown and spread to include high-tech beauty procedures and minor cosmetic treatments.

Specialist Treatment

Being a qualified and experienced beauty therapist allows Fiona to understand the ever changing needs of clients making Zen Lifestyle an evolving combination of treatments and products aimed at targeting exactly what our clients want and need.

Personal

Fiona has a passion for interiors and loves to be involved with refurbishments around the home. She is always looking for new ways to improve the salons and the services offered at Zen. She is exceptionally passionate about her work and never stops thinking about how to improve the services offered. " I truly love my work all the girls and dealing with the clients. I really look forward to coming to the salons and enjoy the sense of fulfillment I get from the business. It has changed hugely over the years and we must always keep evolving to try and remain at the fore front of the industry."

Name: Julie MacDonald   Position: Manager, Bruntsfield   Qualifications: Diploma in Beauty Therapy from Mary Reid International ITEC and CIDESCO.

Background

Julie moved back to Edinburgh at the start of 2007 after spending three-and-a-half years managing a salon in Dublin. She returned to Scotland with thoughts of starting her own mobile beauty therapy business but soon found that she was drawn back to the team atmoshphere and busy salon life and joined the team at Zen Lifestyle.

Personal

"I am truly loving managing at Zen Lifestyle in Bruntsfield. I was ready for a change and my new role here is really suiting me. The team here are exceptional and it is such a busy salon there is never a dull moment. I deal alot with the internet shop which has recently really picked up and is a large part of the business. The salon is continuing to expand and its great to be part of such a fast growing business. I was so excited to be at the British Beauty & Spa Awards in September and realy thrilled to be part of an award winning team.

Name: Stephanie Finney   Position: Senior Therapist   Qualifications: HNC Beauty Therapy from Jewel and Esk Valley College NQ Beauty Care from Perth College CIBTAC from Perth College Advanced IPL Hair Reduction,Wrinkle Reduction, Thread Vein Removal and Skin Rejuvenation Reiki Advanced MD Formulations Advanced Skin Specialist in Advanced AHA, Idebenone, Forte, Coffeeberry, Omnilux and Diamondtome

Background

Stephanie is a fiendly, relaxed and dedicated therapist who always keeps the individual needs of her clients in mind.She has 7 years experiance in the beauty industry which includes working in health clubs, hotel spas and now Zen-Lifestyle. In previous jobs she has been nominated for therapist of the year. 

Treatment

She is experienced in a wide range of treatments including massage, facials, manicure and pedicure, and all types of waxing. She is very knowledgeable on skin products and treatments, especially the Elemis face and body ranges and the M.D. Formulations corrective skin products. She has qualified as a Priori advanced skin care specialist and has seen her clients get amazing results from the Priori products and peels. She was nominated in May 2009 to attend the Priori Masterclass for advanced clinical development with these products. Stephanie is also qualified and enjoy's Biosulpture gel nails for the 3 week manicure and 3 week pedicures.

Personal

Stephanie loves animals and is a keen horse-rider. She also likes to spend spare time socialsing with friends and colleagues and keeping her knowledge of the beauty industry up to date.

Background

During Lesley's studies she worked part time at Coach House Hotel & Spa and Overall Wellness Centre, both in South Africa. In 2008 she completed a nine month contract with the Celerity Mercury Cruise Liner.

Specialist Treatment

Lesley loves to give massage and facials but has the most experiance in slimming & cellulite reduction.

Personal

Lesley has a kean interest in Biology, the human body, nutrition, human evolution, music and siplistic living. She also loves gy classes, travelling and trying to learn about cultural diversity.

Name: Rebecca Young   Position: Therapist, Teviot Salon   Qualifications: HNC in Beauty Therapy SVQ 2 & 3 Beauty Therapy Ellipse IPL permanent hair removal Jane Iredale Make Up levels 1 & 2

Background

Rebecca worked part-time in a salon in Dunfermiline whilst at college and was offered a full-time job there after qualifying. However she realised after nealry a year that she was missing Edinburgh and wanted to step her career development up a couple of levels. Rebecca says "I was really keen to work in a salon that could offer a wider range of activity, especially in more advanced treatments. My number one target was to join the team at Zen- the salon has such an amazing reputation amongst therapists in Scotland for training and personal development."

Specialist Treatment

Rebecca's fave treatments are massage and Elemis facials She also loves how much clients enjoy the amazing pampering of Zen Signature facials. "I love the results we get from improving clients' skin. It gives people such a great confidence boost". Rebecca also has a lovely firm massage.

Personal

Rebecca enjoys going shopping and socialising with friends. She also keeps fit and trim by attending gym classes such as Pilates and Body Combat.

Name: Kieran Fowley   Position: Director   Qualifications: MBA: University of Edinburgh MA (Hons): University of Aberdeen.

Background

Kieran's background is in international sales and marketing, having worked in London, Sydney and New York. After working in sales in the IT services industry Kieran went on to work as export sales manager and then country manager for a large manufacturing group. He is relatively new to the beauty industry but the therapists are doing their best to teach him.

Specialist Area

Kieran concentrates on running the commercial aspects to the business and supporting Fiona in the general management of the salons. He deals with all the marketing, advertsisng and partnership relations for the business, as well as managing our relationships with suppliers. He has developed a wide ranging knowledge of the beauty and skincare industry, on both a national and intenrational level, which continues to fascinate him. This ongoing research and personal development helps him to develop with Fiona the strategy and new ideas for the business.

Personal

A very keen sports fan especially football and rugby. Kieran also likes to play golf although he has been a beginner for about 10 years. He loves to travel, and despite his previous career taking him all over the world he still loves any chance to travel overseas for business or pleasure.

Name: Carrie Nicol   Position: Manager Teviot Salon   Qualifications: 5 years beauty salon management experience.

Background

Carrie came to Zen in 2002 after having worked in public relations. Carrie has many positive attributes, especially excellent customer care skills. Carrie ensures that all aspects of administration and customer service issues involved in day-to-day salon life are dealt with efficiently. Although not a therapist herself, Carrie has completed training so she can recommend treatments and products best suited to customers' individual requirements.

Specialist Treatment

When you telephone or visit Zen, Carrie can guide you through every aspect of our products and services, as well as arrange your appointments for you. Carrie’s organisational skills make it simple to arrange a singular appointment or a complex course of treatments. Carrie will also help organise hen evenings or wedding day preparations.

Personal

Carrie has travelled through Australia, Thailand and Kenya and likes her travels to be action-packed. She is involved in an African orphanage charity and has been one of the organisers of two major fashion show and gala dinner events raising over £42,000 in funds over the past two years. In April 2006 Carrie visited the orphanage to see for herself the difference the funds can make. "Like any job when it gets busy it is challenging but no 2 days are the same, I love dealing with people and the hustle and bustle of the salon, I could never do a desk job. I just love the interaction with all the clients it's never dull!. Carrie spent the first 4 months on 2009 travelling through South America and Australasia. She was greatly missed by the whole team who couldn't wait to see her smiley face back in the salon in May.

Name: Kay Ritchie   Position: Senior Therapist - Bruntsfield Place   Qualifications: Diploma in Beauty Therapy (ITEC)from Mary Reid International Ellipse: Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), Hair and Skin Elemis: Face & Eyes Tri Enzyme Electrolysis Hydrotherm pregnancy massage Hot Stone massage.

Background

On leaving George Watson’s College, Kay spent a year travelling around Australia. After returning home, she trained at Mary Reid International for her diploma in beauty therapy. Kay had two years salon experience before joining Zen Lifestyle in September 2000.

Specialist Treatment

Kay enjoys all aspects of beauty therapy but is in hot demand for Ellipse Permanent Hair Removal, electrolysis and massage. Caci and the Elemis Facials are treatments that Kay enjoys giving and also receiving whenever the opportunity arises! If you would like an appointment with Kay we recommend booking well in advance as her column can be fully booked weeks in advance.

Personal

Kay is our longest-serving member of staff at present, with almost ten years looking after her loyal clients at Bruntsfield Place. She is very focused on her work, relaxed and professional in her manner. "I feel like I have grown up at Zen it really hepled my confidence I think I was much more shy when I first started. I have seen Zen change and grow over the years. I have been to all the Beauty Awards which make you feel really proud to work here." Kay is a fond animal lover and keeps her strength and flexibility with callanetics.

Name: Laura Henderson   Position: Receptionist, Bruntsfield Salon   Qualifications: HNC in Business Studies SVQ Levels 2 & 3 Reception Supervisor

Background

Laura comes to Zen with a wealth of customer service experience. She is an experienced receptionist, where she has over 4 years experience, including 2 years as reception supervisor.  

Specialist Treatment

Laura loves the chance to advise clients on the wide range of treatment options available at Zen Lifestyle. She also loves to receive all kinds of beauty treatments from her skilled coleagues.  

Personal

Laura likes to keep fit and trim and goes to the gym as often as possible. She likes to entertain and puts on a pretty good dinner party. She is also a great traveller - in 2005 she took two years travelling the world, including The US, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Asia and the Near East.

Name: Phillipa Vaughan   Position: Therapist, Teviot Salon   Qualifications: HND in Beauty Therapy VTCT Nail Tech Dermalogica Workshops 1,2 and 4. Nouveau Lashes Semi permanent Eyelash Extension Nouveau Lashes Advanced Eyelash Perming Murad Face and Body Priori Advanced Skincare

Background

After spending 3 years at Napier University and receiving a degree in Tourism Management with Human Resource Management, she decided it was not for her. Phillipa then attended Telford College where she started her Beauty Therapy training. After her first year she won the award of student of the year. phillipa's first salon experience, was in the Caledonian Hilton Hotel.

Specialist Treatment

The treatments Phillipa most enjoys carrying out are facials and massage. Since Phillipa joined the team at Zen she has developed a loyal clientele for advanced corrective skincare, and loves the results she sees from doing peels and microdermabrasion for her clients. You will often find her by the Visia digital complexion analysis machine giving her clients expert skincare advice. She most enjoys receiving pedicures and facials.

Personal

Phillipa is very passionate about the industry and often finds herself on the web looking at new trends in the industry. Other hobbies include supporting the local Edinburgh Rugby team. She also enjoy shopping for must have accessories and dancing the night away with friends.

Dr Ash Dutta is committed to providing his clients with the highest standard of care and his professional and caring manner gives a thorough understanding of his patient's needs and desires. He offers a complete range of modern aesthetic procedures and rejuvenation techniques and is amongst the most skilled and experienced in his field. You can therefore be confident in the high standard of treatment and care offered by him.

Name: Ellie Richards Position: Receptionist Qualifications: HND Beauty Therapy

Background

Ellie previously worked at Zen as a Saturday girl, she realised her love for the beauty industry and in 2008 signed up to Telford College to start her HND in beauty therapy. Ellie is now back working with us as part time receptionist while she continues her studies. 

Specialist Treatment

Ellie loves all the treatments at Zen but especially loves being pampered and getting nice relaxing facials from her highly experianced colleagues.

Personal

In Ellies spare time she enjoys shopping and socialising with friends and family.

Name: Elaine Gray   Position: Therapist, Bruntsfield Salon   Qualifications: VTCT Level 3 Beauty Therapy - Spa route VTCT Level 2 Diploma in Beauty Specialist Techniques VTCT  Diploma Anatomy & Physiology St Tropez Self Tan Nailtiques - Specialist in Therapeutic Manicure Nustyle - Teeth Whitening Therapist Ellipse IPL - Intense Pulsed Light Permanent Hair Removal

Background

Elaine has never looked back since changing her career from retail sector several years ago. She has been fortunate to work for a number of prestigious employers including Clarins, the award winning Calcot spa in Tetbury and Frontline Style in Bath. When she saw Zen highlighted at the British Beauty Awards in London her sights were set on joing our team on her return to her native Edinburgh.

Specialist Treatment

Elaine loves performing all aspects of beauty therapy but does in particular enjoy giving facials and massage. Being able to help clients, whether it is just for relaxation purposes or for specific areas they need help with, gives her great satisfaction.

Personal

Elaine very much enjoys family walks in the country and socialising with friends, and is also nervously looking forward to learning to ski next year!

Name: Jenny Wilson   Position: Therapist, Bruntsfield Salon   Qualifications: HND Beauty Therapy

Background

During Jenny's 3 years of studying Beauty Therapy she worked in two salons which gave her a great insight into the beauty industry. After graduating she worked in the luxury end of the market at the Kohler Water Spa, in St Andrews. After 18 months experiance in the Spa side Jenny was keen to get into a salon with more variety of tretments and was thrilled when she got the job with Zen Lifestyle.

Specialist Treatment

Jenny's favorite treatment to give clients is facials as she loves to to see the results after and also be able to advise on homecare products , so clients can look and feel their best.

Personal

Jenny loves to keep fit and active by dancing and going to the gym with her friends. She also loves shopping, soacialising and attending music festivals and live concerts.