So much in life is about quick solutions designed to fit in with our hectic lives, especially beauty treatments, which are often crammed into our diaries, along with a dose of guilt for taking ‘me time’.

But Take Time London, which opened in June on Church Road, Wimbledon Village, aims to redress the balance, pointing out that we are calmer, healthier, happier and more productive when we take time for ourselves, press the pause button, and simply recharge. “Our motto is ‘Your Time is Now’ and we encourage clients to put their phones aside and just unwind while they are here,” says Emma. “People do feel guilty for just sitting and having a beauty treatment. But it is about changing the perception. It is about capturing that amazing feeling you get when you have done something just for yourself.”

The atmosphere of the boutique reflects that perfectly. Rather than the fast and frantic turnaround you sometimes get in a nail bar, walking into Take Time London you feel yourself instantly relax with its calming ambience, low lights and spa-like aromas.

It comes as no surprise to learn that its ethos extends to the products it uses – gels and polishes are cruelty-free, vegan and non-toxic. There are no drills, and no mask-wearing technicians, and all equipment is sterilised to the highest standards as used in the dental industry. Gels are always carefully soaked off afterwards, and provided complimentary if followed by another treatment, or as part of a treatment package whereby you pay for fi ve treatments and get the sixth free.

A thorough consultation is carried out. “We take a tailored approach, as everyone is different. We look at how their nails grow, any health issues, and what they want from the treatment,” says Vanessa.

Its brow and lash treatments are also proving popular, with treatments ranging from bespoke lash extensions and tints to microblading and HD brows. Again, a thorough consultation is key so that the client gets exactly the right look to suit their appearance, but also their lifestyle.

HD Brows is a great way of having your brows tamed and shaped and custom-coloured while also learning how to recreate the look at home with a personal makeup masterclass. Its microblading service is perfect for making sparse brows a thing of the past. A lash lift, which straightens and tints, is a must pre-holiday – framing the eyes with thick-looking lashes for six to eight weeks.

Bespoke packages are available, ideal for a birthday celebration with friends or a baby shower. And there are some lovely add-ons such as a head, neck and shoulder messageor a paraffi n wax. Men, too, are well catered for with a menu of His Time treatments.

Of course, there are times when you really do need just a quick treatment so the boutique offers that too with the likes of an express manicure and pedicure. But the ethos is the same – refresh, revive, restore, even if it is just for 15 minutes.

While the boutique opened back in June, Emma and Vanessa set up Take Time London just over a year and a half ago, both having worked in the beauty industry for many years, launching with its corporate wellbeing programme. Companies pick from a range of health and beauty experts, carefully chosen by Take Time London and trained in its philosophy, to come along and offer treatments and seminars to employees.

“Businesses are increasingly realising the importance of encouraging wellbeing in their employees, and offering treat days, as well as providing inspiring health talks on topics such as stress and sleep, is an effective way of doing this,” says Vanessa. “We have put together days that start with yoga or Reiki, have all-day drop-in meditation, and manicures and pedicures on offer. Some companies might just select a certain beauty treatment. But it is always well-received by employees who see it as a great benefit.”

While interest in wellbeing and the mindfulness movement has never been higher, many still struggle to reclaim time for themselves. Take Time London is on the way to changing that, whether in its corporate programme, or its Wimbledon boutique.

Take Time London
21 Church Road, Wimbledon Village, SW19 5DQ
020 8944 7096
boutique@taketimelondon.co.uk
www.taketimelondon.co.uk