A new chapter

Shavata Brow Studio Experience at Nottingham John Lewis

Wednesday 16 January 2019

A new chapter

Well, it truly has been a while since my last blog post; Firstly I do apologize for my distance, If you follow me on my social media, you may have got an understanding of one of the most difficult year's that I've had.
2018, was a Year that I wouldn't want to say I'd like to forget; but more of a Year that I need to rebuild myself upon. In the month of June, I sadly lost my dear Grandma. I've been highly fortunate to have had her in my life since I was born, and there have been countless of memories that I'd treasure forever. Sadly after losing my Grandad, almost 7 years ago now, I had noticed changes in her lifestyle, and her memory. Losing her was a huge shock, but I was relieved to know that she was finally reunited with my Grandad and pain-free.

In toll this has pretty much deteriorated my own mental health, which is something I hope to write about some time on my blog, and had negatively effected my motivation for my passion of writing. But as I will dearly treasure my Grandma's support for my future and my work, I don't want to give up for her; But to continue in her memory. So I've decided to come back for 2019, look into a new light, and get back to what I once enjoyed doing.  
I've experienced love and loss greatly in 2018, but my enthusiasm for vintage still remained. I had some marvelous times at York and Nottingham with yearly vintage events, which I plucked up the courage to attend. But seeing my dear friends that I have made over the years, made it that little bit easier, plus I even took part in my first vintage dance class, with a massive thanks to Red and Ginger! (The loveliest Vintage Dancers I have met..)



I was also cordially invited to the launch of Alto within Nottingham, a bar which Carl Froch is part owner of; To attend press events were a struggle for me, but I knew that I had to keep going in my life and spend time around positive and supportive people. Moments like those were such an honor and, I still feel like pinching myself whenever I'm in those moments.
One of the main people that I've been ever so lucky to have, is my best friend, Sarah. Now, if you didn't know, I met Sarah through blogging, by attending a local meet-up a fair few years ago. We kept in touch, thinking we'd probably only see each other on the off chance, and I knew when I was creating my own meet-up for Charity, I wanted to definitely invite her along. Seeing her again was lovely! and it was great to get to know her and crazily enough, she didn't live that far from me at all! Over the years, we've been able to go to events together, and days out shopping; I genuinely missed having a friendship as strong as ours. Sarah and her husband were ever so good to me and my Mum when losing my Grandma and I truly don't know what I would have done without them both.


So how will I be coming back this year with blogging? Well, I am hoping to bring to you tips and tricks, tutorials, and more! and my main focus will be.. All things Vintage and how I create my looks! I can't wait to come back with a bang, and here's to a positive and proactive New year!

Be bold, Be brave, Be you.
-Ellie xo

Thursday 10 May 2018

Shavata Brow Studio Experience at Nottingham John Lewis



Within the Nottingham Intu Victoria Centre, John Lewis have completely re-vamped their beauty department, on the first floor, by welcoming new brands. One of which I was unaware of, Shavata Brows and Beauty Bar.
Now, some of you may or may not know, that I'm a qualified Beauty therapist, which was something I had a strong passion for when I had left school, many years ago! Back then it was the norm of waxing and plucking eyebrows, but it was also something which I did minimal of.
I was not one for letting someone else take charge of my brows, I would squirm and feel tears run down my cheeks whenever I did my own too. Luckily I had very fair hairs, so it was less noticeable whenever i'd leave them to be natural, from time to time. As I've gotten older, I've not been as bad when it comes to tidying them myself; With my strong interests in the 40s/50s era, I've been wanting to create a soft arch if anything. I've used a variety of brow products before, yet either the tone of the product just doesn't match up, or it clumps upon the hairs when you just don't want it to!


This is why it came to be a huge surprise for me, when I checked my Emails, to find an invitation to have my eyebrows personally done by Shavata Singh; Who is a well known brow expert to the stars and the founder of Shavata Brows! She was making a special appearance at Nottingham, to open her newest studio. I had a mix of emotions running up to my appointment, and I may have watched tons of videos to prepare myself on what was to happen. But to be perfectly honest, I was shocked at how fulfilling the experience was.


The Experience  

I ensured that I arrived to my appointment, which was scheduled at 12pm, to be at least 15 minutes early. This gave me the chance to find my bearings and become better acquainted with the team, who were highly informative and presented myself with a complimentary glass of prosecco. I loved the attention to detail of the eye catching, handmade, decor used to portray the brand perfectly; So I used the time I had to take essential photos. Shavata Brows and beauty have both the brow/beauty treatments available, as well as a nail bar; I just loved the concept of everything you needed, to be within the same open space. 
Before long, I was shaking hands with Shavata herself; I guess you could say I was honored, as well as overwhelmed to meet her. It was as if I knew her for so long, which I think is important to feel as comfortable as possible with your therapist. She led me over to a black leather chair that tilted back, and the consultation began. I explained how I was with my brows at home, and that I've tried to maintain them into a 'suitable' shape. Shavata studied over my eyebrows while asking me questions on what products I've used before and how long since I last plucked them. Answering truthfully, she recommended a brow pencil in the shade Blonde, and began to fill in my right brow with the product. I couldn't believe how natural it looked, as well as the best colour I've used so far to match my hair tone. I revealed my nerves about having my brows threaded, but I believed I was in safe hands with her. She directed my hands to be placed on a particular part of my forehead, to ensure I kept the skin taunt above the brow, as well as the eyelid to remain closed and pulled downwards. I'll insert the pictures so you can understand it better! 


The patience, time and skill that Shavata has is remarkable; Within seconds she was prepared and began to thread with fast sweeping strokes. I barely felt any pain or discomfort, and was beyond eager to see the results! When both brows had been completed, Shavata handed me a handheld mirror to present my new reveal. I was shocked and overwhelmed. I actually felt like a new woman.
Because this was a first time for me, I guess I felt so caught up with my own ideas of how it would turn out, that the end result exceeded my expectations. My brows then were treated with an aftercare lotion to reduce any redness, and then fully completed with the blonde brow pencil to enhance as well as define the shape.


I adored having such a personal one to one appointment, and appreciated the care and advice given to me. I would highly recommend the Shavata studio experience, if you're after a unique and attentive treatment. They have flagship stores across the UK so check out the link for details. I'll be going more often to test out their other treatments and products, and will share it with you all on future social media posts.


A massive thank you to John Lewis and the team for having me; as well as to Shavata herself for taking the time to make me feel beautiful.
Love Ellie xo

Shavata Brow Studio
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