Fasion in Shoreditch: Interview with Founder of Hoxton Salon Paula Bedwell

– Tell us few words about yourself, how did you start, why waxing and hair?

We are have been involved in businesses related to hair and beauty in Shoreditch for nearly 15 years. In the early days I ran a stall at Spitalfields market offering handmade organicbeauty products. It feels a long time ago now.  We then managed to open a salon in Old Street with a business partner – when that lease came to end it gave us the chance to open our own salon for the first time. I trained as a hairdresser and beautician when I was younger and served my apprenticeship with Trevor Sorbie.

– Tell us more about your Hoxton Salon

Hoxton Salon offers a full range of hairdressing, waxing and nail services. We are waxing specialists and I have developed my own method of waxing which makes the experience less painful. It often feels like we wax most of Hoxton and Shoreditch. We also offer organic hair colouring

– Do you have any Famous people waxing or having their hair done in your salon? 

We look after Elite model’s so have had quite a few famous faces through the door not that we would divulge that information. Client confidentiality is very important to us.

– What would you say has been your most memorable moment since launching ?

14 months after opening standing back and seeing the salon full of happy clients looked after
by my slick professional team doing what comes naturally, thinking wow we have done so
well. But of course I am bias.

– What was the strangest request that you had in the salon? 

A young professional chap walked in and asked for a full body wax. He was suited and
booted and obviously worked in the city so we were a little surprised at the request. 2 hours
later he was as hairless as the day he was born claiming it was all for charity!

– I have seen in your ‘menu’ in men waxing section ‘half leg’ waxing. How does that work?

We wax a lot of men and it is the same as women apart from the bikini area! A half leg wax
is simply a wax from just above the knee to the ankle. 

– Why did you choose Shoreditch in launching your business ?

We have lived in the area for nearly 25 years and have seen it change and grow into the vibrant and stimulating neighbourhood it is today. It’s a great place to bring up kids and with 3 children of our own we always wanted the business close to home and we now live 2 minutes from the salon. Most of all though we love the diverse mix of clients that live and work in the area – they really make working here fun.

– What are your favourite places to go in Shoreditch?

As a family we love the Vietnamese restaurants especially Mien Tay in Kingsland Road and also The Geffrye Museum – the kids art workshops are great fun. There are also some great roof top bars like The Red Lion, Shoreditch House and Boundary – just perfect on a summers evening.