If your gram algorithm is leaning more toward local beauty trends and events, then you’ve definitely come across videos of excited influencers trying out incredibly tempting services at the newest salon in town, XOXO Beauty Lounge.
Fashion and beauty enthusiast, Antara Bose, sat down for an exclusive interview with the Founder, Natasha Martin, to explore various aspects of the brand and its partnership with premium, top-tier skincare labels as well as XOXO Beauty Lounge’s unique stance on glamour.
First things first, who is Natasha and why did she start XOXO Beauty Lounge?
I’m a professionally trained makeup artist and aesthetician. I’ve worked for a number of international brands including Hugo Boss, Make-up Designory, and Inglot. I believe beauty is an evolving term. Earlier on, there were predefined rules for beauty, and women were often told how to be beautiful. I started XOXO Beauty Lounge to encourage women to feel confident and beautiful in their own skin.
Let’s talk about the name – XOXO. What’s the story?
(Laughs) I’m going to take a moment to recount the epic Gossip Girl line where at the end of every intro they would say, “You know you love me, XOXO”. That has always just stuck with me. I mean, who doesn’t love hugs and kisses? It’s easy to remember, catchy, and at some point, everyone has said this.
Did you have a specific vision when you started XOXO?
Our vision for XOXO Beauty Lounge is to deliver a seamless, refreshing, and relaxing service to all our customers. We’ve highlighted opulence through our interior design and embraced the elements of luxury in all our services.
You’ve created quite a buzz. But what is it that makes XOXO so different and what are your brand’s values?
We seek to instil confidence while empowering individuals – those will remain our most fundamental values and define everything we do. I believe our approach to beauty is what gives us the edge.
What does beauty mean to you?
It’s simple, everybody is beautiful! Beauty is a mindset. If you want to rock green eyeshadow, do it. If you have curly hair, wear it. We are not here to tell you how to be beautiful, we are here to help you express your beauty.
What are the top treatments offered?
We offer a wide range of services that cover makeup, hair, nails, and facials. I would like to point out that we have a number of products and treatments for curly hair, too. We have also partnered with Environ, an award-winning premium skincare brand, to provide anti-aging, hydrating, and skin-clearing facials.
With regard to XOXO, what are you most proud of?
There have been innumerable things that have made me proud. But two specific incidents have been particularly heart-warming. XOXO emphasizes relaxation. So, when we had a client fall asleep during a session, we knew we were headed in the right direction. The second compliment came when a client exclaimed that she ‘felt like a princess’ during her treatment. That was priceless, and it is exactly what we strive to make everyone feel!
Moving forward, what are the plans for the brand? What can customers expect?
Our focus remains on luxury. Customers can only expect the best from us, and this will always be highlighted through our impeccable services.