Stamford business Equilibrium to open second Clarins salon in Mill Street, Oakham

The owners of a successful beauticians in Stamford have acquired a new property to bring their services to people in Rutland.

Samantha Hiseman and Selena Bailey, the owners of Equilibrium, are set to open a second Clarins salon in Mill Street, Oakham.

Equilibrium was initially created by Samantha 16 years ago before Selena came on board in 2017 to develop the business side of it.

Selena, co-owner, said: “When we got together we always new we wanted to do something a bit bigger.

“We moved into the old doctors’ surgery in Stamford and made it into a prestigious beauty salon and spa with a small retail for Clarins.

“Clarins approached us and we had a chat with them about taking over Clarins in Oakham.”

She added: “We have been very fortunate throughout the pandemic.

“Who would have believed Equilibrium would set up a new business?

“We never would have never thought it but we are absolutely delighted Clarins took us on board.”

In Stamford the pair have a large salon and spa area in St Mary’s Street with a smaller retail space whereas in Oakham it will be the other way around with a focus on Clarins products.

“We’ve been looking for premises for quite a few months,” said Selena.

“With Oakham being a booming industry with lots of shops being opened, it was very hard to find a premises.

“We were very lucky to find the old Otters place in Mill Street.”

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, renovating the premises is taking longer than usual as only one company is allowed inside at a time and building companies are fully-booked.

While the salon won’t be ready for the easing of restrictions on April 12, staff are hoping to open as soon as possible.

During the time the salon has been forced to close for lockdown, Selena and Samantha have been busy delivering Clarins products to customers in the area.

Selena said: “For me personally I’ve used Clarins for a long time, I was a customer before I was a retailer and supplier.

“They reach all ages as they are products you have from a teenager through to a mature age. “We can’t say anything more than we love the products.

“Once you get using it you wouldn’t move away as it takes you to the next stage of your life.”

The team at Equilibrium Stamford are said to be ‘overjoyed’ about the expansion and it has left them feeling more secure in their jobs despite still being on furlough.