Working at Zen - get the inside scoop from one of our therapists

We are really thrilled to learn that we have been nominated for a very prestigious award: Employer of the Year at the Professional Beauty Awards 2019! As the Oscars of the beauty world, they are the most coveted and established in the country so we couldn’t be more thrilled to have been shortlisted as one of the UK’s top employers among all the great salons, spas and clinics throughout the country.

So what makes Zen such a good employer? We thought we’d get some insights from one of the team, so we did a Q&A with Hannah,  senior therapist at our Bruntsfield salon.

So Hannah, what’s it like to work at Zen? 

Working at Zen genuinely feels like you part of something really special. I have never worked anywhere with such fantastic training and from the minute you start and all the way through your career at Zen, there’s training and professional development. It truly is second to none.

The support you receive is also amazing. I think clients assume that Fiona and Kieran are owners that stay in the background but this is certainly not the case. They are passionate about Zen, hands-on and always on hand to offer support and advice. We see them on a daily basis and learn from them constantly. They are always just a text or email away and they genuinely care about our wellbeing.

I also couldn’t get through my day without great reception staff. They are amazing at managing my bookings and looking after my clients once I have finished their treatments.

But it’s the whole team of girls who really make the job. We look after and help each other in so many ways – it’s different than working with “friends” as it’s better than that. We have such a strong bond, we understand each other, we work together every single day and it’s always such a joy. We support each other and learn from each other. I thrive in a team and working along such caring and considerate girls is amazing.

Lastly, I love that at Zen our days vary so much, especially in terms of the treatments we do which keeps it fresh and exciting. We aren’t like a spa where you generally do massage and facials all day; there’s a lot of treatment variety which is great for personal development and very stimulating. And there’s a loyal clientele at both salons so we get to know our clients over time and build up great relationships with them.

Tell us more about your training?

It came as no surprise to us that Zen has an Investors in People accreditation for their ongoing commitment to leading, supporting and managing all staff. From staff welfare and development to management practices within the salons, there’s an inclusive and supportive team culture.

For therapists the training is really thorough, as there is a 4 level training programme for each therapist to progress through over time. It’s fair to say we don’t do any treatment until we are really well drilled and confident in the techniques and protocols.

In additional to formal training, there’s ongoing mentorship and monthly coaching sessions, regular team away days and social events, and lots of staff benefits. These include monthly performance incentives, rewards such as restaurant discounts, free treatments, products at cost, extra holidays for long service along with a generous friends and family discount.

Is it hard to get a job at Zen?

What I love and find inspiring is that at Zen you don’t have to have loads of experience to get a job and become be a great therapist. I started with little experience in any of the treatments that Zen offered – my drive and motivation to learn new skills was recognised and they have invested in me ever since. I have seen so many girls over the last few year who didn’t have much experience, just the determination and enthusiasm to become a great therapist coupled with Zen’s unbelievable training and mentoring.

And you sometimes don’t need to have beauty qualifications. If you are artistic or creative I think it’s a great way to utilise your talent within this job. An eye for detail is fantastic and this certainly comes in handy when doing brows, lashes and nails, so we have been able to train up some girls ourselves for specialist rolls at the brow and nails bars.

What advice do you have for people wanting to get into the beauty industry?

Do your research. Beauty therapy isn’t just doing nails and massage, there is so much more to it. Find out what area you think you will want to specialise in, because if the full beauty course isn’t for you there are independent short courses for lashes, nails, waxing etc.

Be prepared. Whilst it does have its glamorous moments it can be very hard work. No matter how tired you feel you have to put that aside because someone is paying money to come and be pampered-they deserve a 5-star service no matter what you have going on at home or how you are feeling.

Be a people person. It’s essential you have that love of making someone feel good about themselves. Even if you are just doing a little eyebrow tidy, you have the power to make that person feel better about themselves and knowing you have helped people is a great sense of achievement.

It’s such a rewarding career to be in and there is always new advances in technology allowing therapists to continually grow in their practical ability and their knowledge. There is always something new to learn.

Best bit of the job?

Wow there’s loads. I couldn’t pick just one. My clients, my colleagues, the friendships at work, the treatments we do, the products and technology we work with. I feel very blessed.

Fancy joining the Zen team? If you are interested in a career at Zen please email Recruitment@staging.zen-lifestyle.flywheelsites.com. All applications are treated in the strictest of confidence.

You can learn more about the benefits of working at Zen and current vacancies by visiting our Careers page.

Hannah Thomson is a member of our senior therapy team at the Brunstfield salon. She is a very experienced and accomplished therapist, and has developed a loyal following amongst clients since joining the business. Hannah specialises in a range of advanced treatments as well as IPL hair removal and waxing.