Salon owner putting the accent on looking good

Jun 16 2008 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

A NEW business claims it can help women lose a dress size in their lunch hour – with no side-effects.

Serial entrepreneur Karen Morris has launched Refine Salon Spa, in Whitburn Village, bringing together some of the latest developments in medical technology to help reshape your body.

She said: “The beauty industry is very competitive and I really wanted to stand out.

“I researched the UK market place on effective cellulite and skin improvement treatments, and I purchased a machine which is a firm favourite with stars such as Claudia Schiffer and Colleen McLoughlin.

“Non-invasive cosmetic surgery is a rapidly expanding market due to the fact that there is no downtime. After all, who can afford to take two to three weeks off work to recover from major surgery.

“Thankfully you can have similar treatments, with similar results in your lunch hour.

“I am also the first person in Tyne and Wear to provide the world- renowned Accent machine and I am very proud of that.”

Karen also visited the United States while doing research for her business.

She is somewhat of a serial entrepreneur as Refine Salon Spa is her fourth business. Previously, she ran a Callanetics exercise studio, Callanetics UK, and her Exclusives Hair and Beauty salon.

She said: “All three businesses were very successful, but I am always looking to improve what we can offer here in the UK and Refine is the natural step in offering the latest treatments.”

She has invested heavily in her dream venture with more than £90,000 being spent on the body shaping machines alone. A further £40k was spent on refurbishing the salon.

Refine Salon Spa includes a hair studio, beauty treatment and the body re-shaping clinic.

Joining Karen and her vision are team members manageress Kim Robson and senior stylist Dionne Robinson.

Karen received advice and funding for marketing and branding from Business Link North East.