I started my career in 1986 when I embarked upon a two year full time beauty therapy course at Norfolk College of Arts and Technology. It was an entirely different industry back then; us beauty therapists were quite a rare breed in comparison to today. The course was tough and standards were extremely high.
For those of you from Cambridge I did my work experience at Janet Martin’s on Castle Hill and had holiday and Saturday jobs in Cambridge health and Beauty Salon (affectionately known as ‘Mrs Brown’s’) in King St and The Tao clinic . On leaving college I began my first full time position at Glemby International in the Eaden Lilly department store.
A year later I decided to set up my own salon and moved into first one, then two rooms above Strands hair salon in Victoria Street and moved a couple of years later to another salon on the outskirts of Cambridge. During this time I was also undertaking my teacher training certificate and teaching beauty therapy at Cambridge Regional College.
Having moved to The Fens in 1992 and getting fed up with the commute into Cambridge I started the first beauty salon on Chatteris High Street bringing Dermalogica, Jessica manicures, advanced electrolysis, slimming treatments, makeup, waxing, lashes, aromatherapy, reflexology and acrylic nails to the ladies of Chatteris in 1993. What a busy six years , 60+ hours a week (as well as running open evening events for new Dermalogica accounts) and a handful of staff too!
My daughter arrived in 1999 and I moved the salon to a converted outbuilding at my home. Nails seemed to take over and these days take up most of my time. However, since extending my gorgeous salon this year I am making a concerted effort to get back into doing what I love most- facials and electrolysis.
I trained for two years in electrolysis alongside Beauty Therapy and then furthered my knowledge by training in advanced electrology with Rita Roberts for red vein, skin tag and milia removal in 1991. I use blend electrolysis in the salon. It is still the ONLY proven permenant method of removing superfluous hair.
Having trained with the world renowned Eve Taylor back in 1989 in various holistic therapies I have now taken on her skincare range. A truly fabulous, aromatherapy product range that is both effective and luxurious yet entirely affordable, indeed it has recently won professional beauty awards for the last two years in the category ‘Best natural/organic / vegan skin care range’. My facials are based on oriental skin profiling , acupressure, lymphatic drainage and essential oils providing a deeply relaxing , results driven treatment.
Recently I have added iCon Ultralift microcurrent (non surgical facelift) and no-needle mesotherapy using the truly astonishing ‘Fusion’ meso vials with electroporation and LED light therapy to my treatment menu. See the website for more details.
I also offer Ekseption facial peels- an incredible ‘no down time’ Polyhydroxy/Retin-oil/ Ferulic chemical peels for even the most sensitive of skins which will leave your skin with truly exceptional results whether your problem be ageing, hyperpigmentation, acne scarring / dehydration or indeed any particular issue you may have! These products are cutting edge and technologically years ahead of the game! The full Ekseption range is also available in stock and is a vital prerequisite when booking a course of resurfacing treatments. Please ask for details and samples!
Despite being first and foremost a Beauty Therapist, locally I seem to be known for my acrylic nail design; I take great pride in my work and use the amazing CJP acrylic nail system, Hazel Dixon Pro system and Glam and Glits- (that’s a huge aray of colour choice!). Artistic Colour Gloss is my soft gel of choice for manicure and pedicure and I have over 200 colours to choose from plus a massive range of glitters, swarovski crystals and many other nail accessories. I have trained with World champion nail techs such as Hazel Dixon and Gemma Lambert in techniques such as 3d acrylic sculpting, one stroke and Russian painting.
I also stock and use Footlogix, an unparalled ‘medi meets pedi’ range offering the very best in relaxing yet highly effective spa pedicure.
Lash lifts, lash and brow tinting and shaping, waxing, ear piercing are also available.
Thirty three years later, I still love and adore my job and update my skills and knowledge regularly although I pride myself on being an ‘old school’ professional. My youngest client is thirteen, my oldest is over ninety and I have retained many clients from my very first job so I guess I must be doing something right! If you would like to book an appointment please firstly check out my Prices and Policies on my new website www.kirstenstewardbeautytherapy.co.uk and secondly check my page for availability lists. If you see anything suitable or have any questions do get back to me with your contact details and I will endeavour to reply asap. However, I have put as much detail as possible on my website to hopefully eradicate the need for this thus saving us both lots of time!
