Esther, you come from a background in luxury and fashion. What inspired you to make the leap into the beauty industry and open The Parlour in Florence?

My transition into the beauty industry was driven by a desire to bring a unique blend of high-quality service and a welcoming, luxurious atmosphere to Florence. After relocating from New York City, I realized there was a need in the market for a salon brand that offered top-tier beauty treatments with the same warmth and inclusivity I was accustomed to. My experience in luxury and fashion taught me the importance of meticulous attention to detail and personalized service. The Parlour was my opportunity to blend my passion for beauty and the need to create a space that mirrored the best of what I had experienced around the world.

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The Parlour is more than just a salon; it’s a community hub. How did you conceptualize this unique blend of beauty services and social connection?

The idea was to create a space where beauty treatments are paired with meaningful social interactions. I envisioned The Parlour as a place where clients not only receive exceptional services but also connect with others in a relaxed and stylish environment. By designing a space that encourages conversation and connection, and by offering complimentary refreshments like prosecco and coffee, any way you like it, we’ve cultivated a community-centric atmosphere that turns first-time visitors into regulars.

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Can you tell us about the journey of finding the perfect location for The Parlour and why you chose Borgo San Jacopo as its home?

Finding the right location was crucial for The Parlour. I wanted a spot that was not only central but also offered a serene and picturesque setting. Borgo San Jacopo, with its stunning views of the Arno River and proximity to the Ponte Vecchio, provided the perfect backdrop. The space’s natural light and spacious layout complemented our vision for a studio that feels both luxurious and inviting.

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The design of The Parlour is stunning, with its soft color palette and natural light. What was your vision for the space, and how did you bring it to life?

My vision for The Parlour was to create a soothing, elegant environment that enhances the overall self-care experience. The soft palette of sienna, sage green, and dusty rose, along with abundant natural light, was chosen to evoke calm and inspiration. Each piece of furniture was intentionally chosen, and we meticulously designed every detail to ensure that the space feels both luxurious and approachable, reflecting our commitment to exceptional design and client comfort.

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You’ve introduced Florence to high-quality, toxic-free products like Bio-Sculpture and The Face Planner. How important is it to you to offer these kinds of products to your clients?

Offering high-quality, toxic-free products is central to our mission at The Parlour. We are the first salon in Italy to introduce the Bio Scultpure brand with a focus on healthy nail care.  It’s crucial for me that our clients receive not only beautiful results but also treatments that are gentle and health conscious. Bio-Sculpture and The Face Planner represent our commitment to excellence and safety, ensuring that every product we use aligns with our standards of quality and environmental responsibility.

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The Parlour has quickly become a favorite spot for Florence’s elite. How have you managed to create such a loyal and high-profile clientele in such a short time?

Our focus on providing exceptional service and creating a unique, welcoming atmosphere has been key to building a loyal clientele. By delivering consistently high standards in both our treatments and client interactions, and by fostering a space where people feel valued and connected, we’ve been able to attract and retain a diverse and distinguished group of clients.

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Your salon offers a variety of services, from manicures to express facials. How do you ensure that every treatment meets the high standards you’ve set?

We maintain high standards by selecting only the best products and by hiring skilled professionals who share our commitment to excellence. Each treatment is meticulously executed, and we continuously evaluate and refine our practices to ensure that every service not only meets but exceeds our clients’ expectations.

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In your experience, what sets The Parlour apart from other beauty salons, not just in Florence, but anywhere in the world?

What sets The Parlour apart is our unique combination of luxury, community, exceptional service and our attention to details. Unlike other salons, we offer a thoughtfully designed environment that fosters social connection while providing top-tier beauty treatments. Our commitment to toxic-free products and personalized service, combined with a warm and inclusive atmosphere, creates an experience that is truly unparalleled, one that we are laser focused on delivering. 

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The Parlour is also known for its welcoming atmosphere and the personal touch you offer each client. How do you maintain this level of hospitality as the salon grows?

Maintaining our level of hospitality is a priority as we grow. We achieve this by ensuring that our staff are trained to uphold our service standards and by fostering a culture of attentiveness and personal connection. Every client is greeted by name, and we continually strive to personalize each experience, ensuring that our welcoming atmosphere remains consistent.

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You’ve created a space that’s ideal for events, from girls’ weekends to product launches. Can you share a memorable event that’s taken place at The Parlour?
One memorable event was a bridal party where we hosted a pre-wedding pampering session for the bride and her wedding party. The salon was transformed into a celebratory space with beautiful decorations, catering and personalized services, allowing a moment for the guests to relax, recharge and connect in an intimate setting before the wedding festivities. The event not only highlighted our versatile space but also showcased our ability to create unforgettable experiences for special occasions.

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Looking ahead, what are your plans for The Parlour? Do you have any new services, products, or expansions in the works?
We are always exploring ways to enhance our offerings and expand our reach. Future plans include introducing new, innovative beauty treatments and potentially expanding to additional locations to share The Parlour experience with a broader audience. We are committed to staying at the forefront of beauty trends while maintaining the personal touch and high standards that define our brand.