Wow, I cannot believe it – this month, I’ve been running Beauty and Nails by Reena for 15 YEARS!
It’s been an incredible journey, and as I look back, it’s amazing to see how far I’ve come. When I left school, I’d never have guessed this is where I’d end up. So, let me take you on a little trip down memory lane, and share how this all began.
Humble Beginnings and Big Lessons
Growing up wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. Things at home were complicated, and school wasn’t really my thing. I left without a single GCSE and no clear idea of what I wanted to do with my life. But then, I landed an apprenticeship job at River Island in Luton, working on the door, and it turned out to be a game changer.
River Island had this brilliant training and qualification programme. I got stuck in, working my way through various NVQs and levels, and eventually became the stock room manager. Honestly, I loved it. The stock room was like my own little world—I’d put on my tunes, and anyone who came in for something ended up having a bit of a boogie. It was fun and full of energy, and I felt like I was starting to find my feet.
After a while, my sister and I decided to give London life a go. We moved to High Street Kensington and I transferred to the River Island there. It was a fantastic experience, but we quickly realised the rent was extortionate compared to back home. So, we packed up and relocated to Milton Keynes.
From Stock Rooms to Station Announcements
In Milton Keynes, I took a job with National Express at the bus station. It was a totally different vibe! There was no tannoy system, so I had to do all the announcing myself as coaches arrived and departed. I also handled tickets and customer queries. The shifts were long, with early starts, but I found myself looking forward to a little treat on a Monday afternoon—getting my nails done or booking a beauty appointment.
Eventually, I was promoted to manager, which was great in some ways (hello, pay rise!) but also meant covering for staff who’d call in sick. Mondays were the worst for this, and I often found myself stuck working late, missing out on my beauty treats.
One week, I’d had enough. I was desperate to get my nails done and rang round a few salons about 4:30pm. Either they couldn’t fit me in, or they were already closed. That’s when the penny dropped—there was a gap in the market for beauty treatments that worked around customers’ schedules. Why wasn’t anyone offering a service that came to you? And so, the seed of my business idea was planted.
Taking the Leap
I decided to get qualified in beauty treatments myself. I enrolled at MK College and threw myself into learning everything I’d need to know. At the time, I was living in a flat in Peartree Bridge. As soon as I finished my qualifications, I had some leaflets printed and posted them through doors around the area. I’ll never forget the excitement when my phone started ringing. My first clients were all local, and it felt so rewarding to bring a little luxury straight to their homes.
Around this time, I’d already met Nick, who’d become the father of my two gorgeous kids – and I also met Claire, who’s been my best friend ever since. Funny story: we didn’t exactly hit it off at first. Claire lived in a flat nearby, and one day she knocked on my door asking if I had a bottle opener. I said, “Yes, if you’re bringing that bottle in here!” She did, and the rest is history. She had a young baby at the time, and not long after, Nick and I were expecting our firstborn too.
When baby Alex arrived, I knew what I wanted to do – be my own boss, and offer those mobile treatments around taking care of him, and my daughter when she came along a few years later.
Over the years, I’ve expanded what I offer, and now Claire (who’s a Swedish massage therapist) and I team up to provide full pamper party packages. Whether it’s a hen do, birthday, or just a girly catch-up, it’s brilliant to work together and make those events extra special.
Fifteen Years On
When I think about those early days, it’s wild to see how far things have come. Running a mobile beauty service means I can help clients treat themselves in the comfort of their own homes. It fits perfectly around their work and family commitments, and just as importantly, it’s fitted around mine too, as my kids have grown through all the different stages and needs that kids have.
I love what I do. Whether it’s giving someone a fresh manicure, helping them relax with a facial, or being part of a special occasion, it’s all about making people feel good. It’s not just about beauty; it’s about confidence, self-care, and bringing a little sparkle to someone’s day. And I have the very best clients around, some of whom have become true friends over the years.
Fifteen years ago, I couldn’t have imagined this life for myself. Leaving school with no qualifications, I thought my options were limited. But as it turns out, what you end up doing can be a million miles from where you started.
To anyone out there feeling like they’re stuck or unsure of what’s next, my advice is simple: keep going. Your path might surprise you, and the opportunities you create for yourself can lead to something amazing.
Here’s to 15 years of beauty, laughter, and making people feel fabulous—and hopefully many more to come!
