Anthia’s nail salon is located at Josephs Lane, Colombo 4. Even though it says nail salon, it encompasses their services. Started by Jacqualine Fernando who was later joined by sister Rozalita to expand the brand. The sisters who have been in the beauty industry in the Gulf region, decided to move to Lanka to share their knowledge and experience.
Even though running Anthia is a full-time job, the sisters travel to Dubai occasionally to upgrade themselves with latest trends in the industry. Anthia’s is located in the heart of Colombo. The founder Jacqueline believes that convenience and good service are very important when running a salon. Having started nine months ago, it has developed to be a quick, easy and efficient place for patrons.
“Having 15 years of experience and working in the Middle East, we decided to move here and share our experiences. We see a lot of potential in young people, so we want to train them while we expand the brand and business”.
The salon has a variety of services, but it’s popular for its nail dips and unique waxing method, “The roll-on wax is a method we found in Dubai and thought why not do it here. We have two waxing therapists who are trained in this.
We bring down the roll-on from Dubai and insert it to the wax heater. Later, it is rolled on to where necessary and remove the hair with a strip.
This method is convenient and quick, and not painful at all. Like this, we experiment with many beauty trends, and the Middle East is our hub to learn about new trends”.
Known as Jacky and Rosie by staff, they employ around 10 to 12 trained staff members. “These girls have been with us since we opened nine months ago; they have grown with us and have trained in their respective field”. I tried the services available, from waxing to a facial. The roll-on wax has an aloe vera moisturiser and facial products were natural and organic.
“We get all the products from Dubai, as my sister owns a salon there and we make it a point to experiment with new products on ourselves and know what is best for us”.
At the time I went, the salon was busy with many walk-ins and appointments, “Most of the week we are busy with appointments and then its walk-ins. This is good for the salon and our staff who constantly want to gain experience”.
While sister Rosy is busy doing hair, Jacky handles the administrative and consultant work in suggesting what’s best for clients. “We are here every day from morning till we close because we prefer to interact with clients and assess the work of our team”.
Salon Anthia has many services, even though it was initially started as a nail salon. The founder decided to add services. Besides hair, skincare and makeup, the salon is collaborating with bridal designer Tharanga Karunathilake’s, ‘Bride In Style’. “This collaboration serves a purpose for us both, while Tharanga and team do the bridal, we do the pre-bridal preparations. We have hosted many bridal Showers, according to the theme at the salon”.