I've been working as a beauty therapist for over 17 years, and I still feel incredibly lucky that this is what I get to do every day.

Looking after people has always been the part of the job I've loved most. Taking the time to understand what someone needs – whether that's support for their skin, a moment to slow down, or simply an hour to themselves – is what inspired me to create Held.

I’ve created the kind of beauty space I want to work in (and would want to visit myself): warm, personal, non-judgemental, and centred around you

Why I created Held

I had worked across luxury spas, beauty salons and holistic wellness spaces – experiences that taught me as much about people as they did about skincare. Every treatment begins with conversation, curiosity and care, allowing me to tailor each appointment to the person in front of me.

I opened my home treatment room in 2014, originally under the name Balanced Beauty Bristol. I have had the freedom to build Held into a business that truly reflects my values: thoughtful care, environmentally-conscious choices and treatments that help people feel comfortable in their skin, rather than encouraging them to change it.

Many of my clients return again and again because of this, and a huge part of Held has grown through word of mouth, trust and genuine connection. 

There are very few jobs where you get to spend your day helping people relax, reconnect with themselves and leave feeling a little lighter. I never take that for granted.

My approach to beauty therapy

Over the years, I've trained in a wide range of traditional and contemporary therapies, from Ayurvedic massage and advanced facial sculpting, to natural hair removal through sugaring. 

I’m also a trained corneotherapist, which has changed and shaped the way I think about skin and skincare. My approach is rooted in working with your skin rather than against it, supporting its natural barrier and long-term health through treatments that are both effective and kind.

My beauty treatments are both results-focussed and deeply relaxing, combining effective skincare and modern technology with traditional healing touch, massage and ritual.

Seventeen years of experience & always learning

Alongside many years of experience working in the beauty industry, I make sure I’m always learning. I complete at least one course per year, keeping my knowledge and techniques evolving with the industry, and improving the experience I can give to you. 

Here are my qualifications for those who are interested: 

• VTCT: Level 2 & 3 Beauty Therapy, Swedish Massage, Aromatherapy, Anatomy & Physiology

• Skin Education International: Level 1 & 2

• Bristol College of Massage and Bodywork: Deep tissue massage, Releasing the neck, Integrative massage for female health, Pregnancy massage, Acupressure facial therapy

• Faceformation with Dominika Dracz-Le Grange: Eastern European lifting techniques Level 1 & 2

• Re:lax: Facial cupping, gua sha & acupressure

• Kim Lawless: Speed waxing & Intimate waxing

• London Sugaring Company: Body sugaring & Intimate sugaring

My training will continue to evolve my practice, but the principles behind my work will always remain the same: thoughtful, skilled treatment, ethical and sustainable choices, and creating a space where people can relax without feeling judged or pressured.