Beauty salon opened in town 50 years ago
Marion Stanley, who has just celebrated her 80th birthday, opened a beauty salon in Loughborough 50 years ago. Her daughter Caroline Brown tells the story...
50 years ago in November 1970, Pinetree Beauty Salon opened its doors in Loughborough.
In 1969, with a group of friends from the local keep fit class, Marion Stanley had her first sauna experience at a salon in Derby. Prior to the visit, she didn’t really know what a sauna was and can remember the premises were a little bit tired and unwelcoming.
Although Marion had no previous experience in the beauty industry, something must have sparked an interest during this visit as soon after she found herself travelling to London on the train every day for six months to attend a training course to become a beauty therapist.
Diploma presented, the next job was to find the perfect premises… 54 Market Street, Loughborough.
After plans were drawn up, alterations made and the sauna installed, in November 1970, Marion was ready to receive her first client!
A full range of beauty treatments was offered with a manicure setting you back 50p and an eyebrow shape costing 40p.
Over the years, Pinetree Sauna, that started off with only Marion and a receptionist, grew into Pinetree Hair and Beauty Salon employing around 15 people and offering the latest treatments including laser hair removal and advanced electrolysis.
Another success of the salon was offering the full range of Aristoc tights which were extremely popular in the 1990s. People travelled from surrounding cities to be able to buy the latest coloured or patterned tights - they knew that Marion would always have their particular size and colour in stock!
Marion got a lot of pleasure from helping her clients with their beauty issues and concerns and built up a fantastic reputation in the beauty industry.
She was trusted, knowledgeable and a friendly face when clients needed specific support or just a pampering session. Running alongside that, was the joy Marion got from working with her staff.
They knew that Marion did not skimp on training which in turn meant being able to offer a superior service to clients. Many of her team became good friends who she is still in contact with today - Marion is especially proud that around five of her therapists have gone on to own their own salons and they say they have learnt all they know from working for Marion and she was the best boss they ever had!
Marion retired in 2005 and since then the salon has changed hands three times but remains a hair and beauty salon to this day with Beauty Temple being the current successful owners. Following her retirement Marion has continued to help out others by volunteering with the Shepshed Volunteer Centre by transporting patients to med ica l appointments. Marion has just celebrated her 80th birthday but when she bumps into some of her clients when shopping in Loughborough they still say ‘It’s Marion from Pinetree isn’t it?’
She was trusted, knowledgeable and a friendly face when clients needed specific support or just a pampering session. Running alongside that, was the joy Marion got from working with her staff.