As their academy expands, we catch up with Janan Saher, the founder of Aviva Day Spa in Stopsley Village, to find out more about their services
When you launched back in 2008, what were you looking to offer?
I wanted to open a “one stop beauty shop”. I wanted a beauty salon in a central location that would offer a wide variety of beauty treatments. There were not many beauty salons in the town centre at the time. We had hit a recession and I was taking a huge risk, one that I’m glad I took as it was the start of creating my dream and vision.
How have you evolved in the years since?
When we opened, we were a beauty salon offering a wide range of services. In the earlier years I launched my own mineral make-up and did make-up parties at people’s homes and fundraisers. This was an invaluable experience for me. I went on to open a training academy and through this I was able to share my knowledge and skills. Today we offer over 25 beauty, holistic and business courses. We are accredited by The Guild of Beauty Therapy and now have a second premises, which we use exclusively for teaching and mentoring.
You are multi award-winning – what does this recognition mean to you?
Building and running a business as a woman and mother of three is very tough. Many times I’ve questioned if what I was doing was the right thing – I would feel tremendous mum guilt when working late nights and weekends. It feels incredible to have all my sacrifices and hard work recognised in this way, especially in an ever-growing and competitive industry. We are constantly growing and evolving, keeping up with the latest beauty treatments and trends. Winning an award validates all the tireless hours I’ve put into my business.
Today, what kind of experience can visiting clients expect?
We tailor our services for our clients’ needs to enable us to provide a unique and memorable experience. Our therapists are professional and friendly, and we offer quality beauty services and products. The salon is beautifully decorated and relaxing. Our treatments rooms are warm and inviting, which encourages our clients to switch off from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Do you offer any treatments that give you a unique selling point?
All of our treatments can be tailored to suit our clients’ needs. One treatment does not fit all. We listen to our clients, which is important. We want them to feel they have received a bespoke service that is unique to them. Ultimately, this approach I feel is what sets us apart from other salons
What kind of pamper packages do you offer?
We have a number of luxury pamper packages. From The Ultimate Indulgence, a three-hour top to toe pamper experience, to a Mother to Be package, safe and relaxing for expectant mothers. We can put together a bespoke package within your desired budget. There is something for everyone.
What kind of courses do you offer at the Academy?
We offer over 25 different courses, all within beauty, holistic and business, from facials, massage, nails and brows to reflexology and hot stone massage. Our business courses vary from how to start a beauty business to marketing your business on social media. I want to help other women/mothers to achieve their aspirations. I love to see women grow and become independent and successful business women. I’m just glad to be part of their business journey.
Do you have anything exciting planned for the future?
Yes, I always have a project up my sleeve! We recently launched our very own professional gel brand, Aviva ProGel. Its 100% vegan, cruelty free and exclusively for professionals. We offer training alongside our products from conversion courses to complete nail technician courses. Within this range we have our own nail tools, gel polishes, washable nail files and cuticle oils. We opened Aviva Beauty Academy after lockdown three, so we now have more space to teach which is great. We saw a huge rise in students enrolling over the lockdown period. It looks like we have a very busy year ahead of us!
