Breezy LA vibes, retro cool interiors and superior service have come together in one beautiful pink packaging at the recently re-launched Snob Salon.
Located in Al Wasl Road, this Instagram-friendly spot has been taken over by ex-beauty editor Haneen Odeh. She has spent years sitting on the side of a critic and experienced some of the best treatments in the city and beyond – basically she knows what works and what doesn’t.
The powdery pink interiors, plush seating, and relaxing atmosphere is enough to lure us in for a treatment or two, but how did it all come about? Find out below.
What was your favourite subject at school?
I don’t think I had a favourite subject. I always sort of wanted to learn at my own pace, and never wanted to follow the curriculum. I thought a lot of what we were being taught was not very useful to me. I spent a lot of time doodling in class, and reading my own books on things that interested me. I did however perform better on things like languages, art, than the more analytical subjects.
What was your first job?
During my time in university, I majored in design. My first ever job was to design logos as a freelancer.
What inspired you to re-launch Snob?
I took over a few months ago and gave it a whole new “persona”. It’s been completely redone, with a new identity, a new direction and a new level of service.
What are the key elements of your role?
It’s a delicate balance between trying to be strategic but also handling the operational side of things. I do the daily social media posts myself, I make sure the salon runs smoothly day to day and that the customers are happy. But at the same time, I am constantly working on developing the business further so a lot of strategic thinking goes into it. How are we expanding further – what’s the newest in the market, what makes us competitive?
Talk us through your daily routine.
I usually wake up and have the bad habit of checking my emails and messages immediately. I’m trying to be more mindful of that, and slowly doing a bit of breathing and visualizing when I wake up. I don’t usually have breakfast, so I just get ready and head to the salon. I’m trying to be better now at fitting in a quick gym session before work. I spend most of my day at the salon. But I make it a point to go home in the evening and make dinner for the family. It’s the part of my day I cherish and is very important to me. I then spend a bit of time creating content for my own Instagram, catch up on an episode or two on Netflix then it’s my skincare routine and bedtime.
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What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
Try to learn as much as possible. I know it seems like a very obvious piece of advice, but you’d be surprised by how many people claim they know it all when in fact they know very little about what they’re doing. Find every opportunity to absorb information. Beauty is a very hands on industry and you need to go out there and try it out. You like makeup? Take a course, do your friends’ makeup, ask to assist a makeup artist. You want to open a salon? Ask for an internship at one and just spend time day in and day out observing and learning. If beauty content creation is your passion, go for it. Learn about ingredients, product manufacturing, techniques so you know what you’re talking about when you produce content. To have knowledge now gives you an edge over everyone.
Which fashion brands can we find in your work wardrobe?
I tend to wear a lot of highstreet, and reserve the high end for bags and shoes. My go-to is Mango and ASOS. Otherwise I have a few DVF dresses that always sale the day when I don’t know what to wear.
What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
Trying and failing doesn’t make you look stupid. Not trying because you’re afraid of failure does.
And what is the worst?
Doing what you love doesn’t make you any money.
What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
Myself. I used to be very hard on myself and sometimes it didn’t allow me to see how far I’ve come along or to appreciate what I’m doing. I always want to do more and be better, it was never enough. So I’m taking the time now to take a deep breath and celebrate my milestones!
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