My sanctuary

Interior

In the beauty business it is all about looks. Be it how you treat your customers or your space, both speak volumes on the philosophy that you follow. And when it comes to a beauty salon then looks is all that matters initially and then service, of course. Hence, when setting up an outlet it is imperative that you decorate the interior in such a way that it gives the right signal to clients. This is exactly what Mona J Salon & Spa is all about. It is a one-of-a-kind salon offering its clients a sublimely unique experience. Located in Clifton Block 4, the salon is snugly tucked away in a quiet street away from the busy city life. 

As the brown gates of the salon open up, little do you know that a sublime sanctuary awaits to encompass you within its loving folds. Stepping inside the reception area a sense of calm and peace pervades the senses. A soft blend of colours makes the first impression a lasting one. The grey and white walls have been accentuated with a pop of colour in the form of green accent walls.

“There’s no singular colour that has been used in the interior, rather it’s a blend of many shades,” apprises Mona Jamal. The beautician loves her salon and would not change a single thing as a lot of thought along with love and passion has gone into making the flagship salon the way it is.

“The salon has been designed by Naheed Mashooqullah. I just love her work. I first saw an interior by Naheed, some 15 years ago, and decided right there and then that whenever I would start a business I would seek Naheed’s expert services. And so when I bought this plot, a few years back, I approached Naheed but she was very busy at that point in time and told me to come to her after a year. I waited for a year and then approached her again and thus began the tedious yet exciting designing of Mona J Salon & Spa,” explains Mona.

Once the idea started taking shape Mona kept on adding to it bringing in play her creativity. “When working on it I did not want my space to be like a salon, rather I wanted it to be my sanctuary. My friends call it my temple as I worship it. I love my salon,” she says emphatically and looking around it’s quite evident why she calls it that. The brain stimulating interior, the brilliant blend of colours, the open, spacious spaces add to the overall experience. “My salon is not just made for business but it has been made for the love of work.”

When designing the salon the one thing that Mona emphasised on was for each floor to be independent. “The salon has three levels and each level is self sufficient with various service stations. You will get all the services on every floor making your salon visit a memorable one rather than the client scurrying up and down for various services,” says the practical Mona.

All the floors have been designed aesthetically with a Zen element in the form of a special nook with pebbles, candles, fountain or plants affording the senses a breather. The Turkish Hammam is a unique feature that the clients are in love with. “The Turkish Hammam is also our Unique Selling Point (USP). It’s soothing and relaxing and one visit is enough to rejuvenate you for a busy upcoming week.” The Turkish Hammam itself is simple yet beautiful. The accent tiles on the walls are eye catching and you find your gaze riveted on the tile inlays that jazz up the sedate environment.

There are two balconies on both the upper levels that offer the client a chance to step out and sip on their coffee while waiting for their choice of service. The balconies have been adorned with plants. The main balcony has a deck with appropriate seating arrangements while the smaller one has been insulated and is glass encased.

When designing the space Mona wanted her office on the ground floor. “I call my office my creative room. That’s where I like to chill and that’s also from where all my creativity stems. Naheed did not agree with my office as she couldn’t understand why I wanted such a big office. But that’s the way I wanted it. And I also wanted a lot of sunlight so we decided on erecting a glass wall that overlooks a really high wall blocking out all unwanted sounds and sights.”

The colour scheme in her office is beige with textured walls and mirrors. With so much happening design-wise Mona decided to opt for simple beige blinds to balance it out. 

The massage rooms, too, are compact tasteful spaces where you can forget all the worries in the world and let yourself revel in the magic of Mona J. Such is the experience of a visit to her salon. Now you know where you’re headed next for your monthly grooming.