In an ever-shifting high street landscape, reaching a 17th anniversary is a true testament to quality, passion, and genuine community connection. This year marks 17 years since Simply Beautiful first opened its doors on St Swithin’s Street, bringing world-class beauty and skincare treatments to the heart of Worcester.
“It’s hard to believe we have been going for 17 years. Running a business is complex and not always easy. There are good times and hard times, but, like anything, I think the key is to believe in yourself and persevere. I truly love my business, and I enjoy working there immensely.”
Founded in 2009 by Sarah Johnson, the salon has grown into one of the city’s most beloved independent sanctuaries.
Before setting down roots in Worcester, Sarah spent time travelling the globe, working aboard luxury cruise liners and treating high-profile clientele. Bringing that five-star, high-end experience back to land, she traded a life at sea for a permanent home on St Swithin’s Street, building a passionate team and a deeply loyal client base along the way.
“Before launching Simply Beautiful, I travelled the world and managed the spa, salon & gym areas on luxury cruise liners. I did this for 10 years, and this career path instilled within me exceptional standards and a high level of customer care and service. It was an incredible 10 years, but it was time to come home in 2009.
Running Simply Beautiful is of course, very different but equally rewarding; what I’m most proud of is the relationships and connections made between myself, staff and customers.
Having a community-based business gives the opportunity not only for repeat clients, but Simply Beautiful has become a place not only where we provide exceptional services, but where you can chat, confide and feel a part of something.
Over the years I have seen many of my clients through life’s journey. Weddings, births, illness & loss, what is going on in our clients’ lives matters to us; we are a small part of it and vice versa. Over the years, many of our clients have been a great source of support and motivation for me also.”
The beauty landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation since 2009. From viral social media beauty trends to rapid advances in non-invasive aesthetic technology and tailored skin therapy, staying relevant requires constant adaptation. Simply Beautiful has quietly expanded its offering, incorporating advanced treatments like Dermalogica Pro peels and Mesoestetic skin therapies alongside timeless classics, staying true to its high standards.
“So much has changed over the years: the town itself, demand, the internet; it’s such a rollercoaster. One thing that I feel has kept us relevant is consistency, standards and tradition.
I don’t chop and change services, and I don’t follow trends; I relate to my customer by offering treatments and using brands that I invest in and believe in.
Beauty shouldn’t be competitive or extreme; in our eyes, it’s making the best of who you truly are, and we encourage and support our clients to be their most confident. On many occasions, clients will say to me or ask me if they need something, and my response is always that you don’t need anything, but if having a certain treatment makes you feel good and you enjoy it, then I say do it!!
All of the brands we use are top of the range, ethical and kind.
We are more expensive than your average walk-in nail bar, but that is because we are not a nail bar; we offer so much more and go above and beyond to deliver a solid range of skincare and personal care services, and we are expert rated with Dermalogica, 5-star rated with Bio Sculpture, Nouveau lash and St Tropez.”
Seventeen years on, as Sarah and her team approach this milestone, their focus remains right where it has always been: helping local clients look and feel their absolute best.
Part of that enduring success comes down to team loyalty. Amie, a long-term employee, has been with Simply Beautiful for over 15 years. Speaking of Amie, Sarah added:
“I’m so lucky to still be working with her; she looks after the clients with patience, kindness and exceptional standards. She is a true perfectionist, and her treatments always have that high-quality finish”
Jayne Becket of jbfaclinics.com also works alongside the team.
“An absolute master in aesthetics, absolute top of her game, Jayne has been hosting monthly clinics with us since 2009 and I have learnt so much from her over the years and I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending clients to her.”
Recently, Nathan, has also joined as resident hair stylist within the Styling Lounge sector of the business. So you really can visit Simply Beautiful for all of your beauty, health, hair and personal care services.
For anyone in Worcester who has passed by 3 St Swithin’s Street but is yet to step inside, Sarah has a simple message:
“Anyone new can expect a kind, warm and friendly welcome, a great treatment, a beverage and they ,can expect to leave us feeling better about themselves and that they have had a good experience, if not an exceptional service.”
Here’s to 17 years of independent business success in Worcester… and many more to come.
Simply Beautiful is located at 3 St Swithin’s Street, Worcester. To browse treatments or book an appointment, visit simplybeautifulworcester.co.uk or call 01905 731178.
