Four East London businesswomen got together to give their clients a unique experience at The Doll House, a new boutique that aims to cater for all the beauty needs of any woman.
With locally made designer clothes for all shapes and sizes available at Mayhem by May Brown, a trendy hair studio by Anre Erasmus, makeup by Kelly May and skincare and body pampering at Complexions by owner Lindsay Schultz, the new business on the block has all the prerequisites to be any woman’s one-stop shop to doll up.
While none of them is new to running a business in the city, as a group they launched their new home, The Doll House, at 23 Beach Road in Nahoon on Thursday evening.
Erasmus said although she had been employed doing hair for nine years, it was her first time to have her own studio.
“I’ve always wanted to open my own place, but it had to be at the perfect spot and this is it for me. The beautiful building and scenic garden is a winner with my clients and I also had fun decorating it just the way I like,” she said.
Brown makes about four of each item in different sizes.
“I started designing and making clothes from as young as 12, influenced by my grandmother who was a bridal gown designer and seamstress.
“My range is anything from everyday wear to couture and bridal at market-related prices. I enjoy making people look and feel beautiful and comfortable, in subtle and colourful fabrics.”
Brown is excited with the new setup, working alongside “phenomenal women”.
“The Doll House is a cross-pollination of vivacious women. We’re all starting out together, so what each of us does, feeds into one another,” she said.
Old “Clarrie Bag” Kelly May was 12 when she knew she wanted to go into the beauty business.
“Growing up, I had horrible skin and my mom never knew about the different acne treatments available. Because of my experience, I always knew I want to help people take care of their skin and make them feel beautiful.
“Being part of Complexions and finally having my own studio has been a dream come true.”
Complexions owner Lindsay Schultz said in the seven years of running her beauty clinic, it had grown from strength to strength.
“Work is fun for us. Beauty is something we are very passionate about – the Doll House is indeed every women needs to come to because we are all dolls,” she said...