Our Team

Meet the team

All of team Urban Sanctuary are trained to the highest standards and deliver every treatment with professionalism and care. They are all passionate about the beauty industry and play an important role in maintaining the salons high standards. They bring a wealth of experience with them and all add something very special to our team.

  • Gemma

    Gemma

    Salon Owner and Beauty Therapist

    When did you join the Urban Sanctuary?
    This is the easiest one to answer as the owner, day one 5th December 2011.

    What is your favourite treatment to perform and why?
    This is harder than I thought!! I genuinely love the variety this industry has to offer but my biggest passion is skincare. I love it!! So facials would be a favourite and I will always love my waxing. Waxing seemed to be what I became known for.

    If we found you in the treatment room, what treatment would you be having?
    Definitely a facial or reflexology. I love the results from facials but also I find them really relaxing. I’m normally asleep in minutes.

    Best beauty or wellness tip?
    Definitely wear your SPF every day of the year without fail and double cleanse!! Double cleansing in the evening is so important.

    If you’re not at work where would we find you?
    Definitely spending time with my family and friends. I love living by the sea and enjoying
    walks with my dog, even better if the walk ends at a pub for a roast and G&T with friends.

  • Helen

    Helen

    Front of House Manager

    When did you join the Urban Sanctuary?
    I started in August 2015.

    If we found you in the treatment room, what treatment would you be having?
    It would either be a massage as it’s the ultimate relaxation treatment, or the Crystal Clear Microdermabrasion as the results are amazing!

    What are your must have products?
    – Dermaquest retinol repair serum
    – Urban sanctuary invigorate scrub – it leaves your skin feeling amazing and is great for removing old tan!
    – Sienna-x express tan mousse

    If you’re not at work where would we find you?
    When I’m not at work you would find me socialising with friends and family or on a nice weekend away.

  • Angela

    Angela

    Head of Training and Development

    When did you join the Urban Sanctuary?
    I joined team Urban Sanctuary in July 2016. Prior to that I was working in a local spa.

    What is your favourite treatment to perform and why?
    I get asked this loads and I honestly can’t single out one. I love all the ‘beauty’ bits eyebrows, lash lifts, tints etc I love to see the difference straight away and especially when they’re new to the treatment it’s the best thing! Equally on the other hand I love to do facials for some of the same reasons… it’s more of a personalised treatment and no one’s skin is the same. It’s nice to give out advice, tailor the facial and build up a relationship. Making people feel chilled and good about themselves is one of the best parts.

    If we found you in the treatment room, what treatment would you be having?
    I would be found having a massage or facial for sure! They’re the ultimate way to pamper and to relax yourself.

    Your best beauty/wellness tip?
    Always make sure you have a bit of time for yourself at least once a week. Take time to have a nice bath with a bath bomb, face mask and recharge. Another tip you don’t need to over complicate your skin care routine keep it easy and find what works for you. Start with the basics and then add in those additional extras. I’m using the mandarin night balm at the moment, it’s a serum and moisturiser in 1 which makes my night time routine super easy.

    If you’re not at work where would we find you?
    When I’m not working my boys usually keep me busy. I love planning holidays and adventures and socialising with my friends having dinner and drinks.

  • Vicky

    Vicky

    Beauty Therapist

    When did you join the Urban Sanctuary?
    I joined in August 2014.

    What is your favourite treatment to perform and why?
    I enjoy all the treatments! Relaxing treatments because I like to see clients relax and switch their minds off and enjoy a pamper. I also like doing the treatments where I can see results instantly and see the client feels good after their treatment, like eyelash extensions or a lash lift.

    If we found you in the treatment room, what treatment would you be having?
    What wouldn’t I be having?! If it was to relax, it would be an Indian head massage or a Decleor facial. And if it was purely for vanity, it would be a spray tan.

    Your best beauty/wellness tip?
    Schedule in a relaxing treatment when you have the time to continue relaxing at home. You benefit so much more compared to leaving the salon, picking up the kids, then doing the food shopping and cooking the dinner. Also, when you are applying your skincare products, take the time to inhale the scent for a couple of seconds before applying. It helps in the morning especially, when we don’t have much time and are flying out the door, those couple of seconds doesn’t take long at all can really help relax your mind and focus for the day.

    If you’re not at work where would we find you?
    Honest answer, binging a box set.

  • Georgia

    Georgia

    Beauty Therapist and Microblading Technician

    When did you join the Urban Sanctuary?
    I joined the salon in 2014.

    What is your favourite treatment to perform and why?
    Brows, brows and more brows. I love anything eyebrow related, it’s always fun to see a good transformation.

    If we found you in a treatment room, what treatment would you be having?
    Probably in the tanning room as a tan always makes me feel better!

    Your best beauty/ wellness tip?
    I use the sienna-x gradual rose face mist to top up my face tan, it smells amazing and keeps your skin looking healthy and glowing.

    If you’re not at work where would we find you?
    I’ll probably be going out for dinner or drinks with friends or family.

  • Kirsty

    Kirsty

    Beauty Therapist

    When did you join the Urban Sanctuary?
    I joined the Urban Sanctuary in September 2016.

    What is your favourite treatment to perform and why?
    I like doing waxing as I find it satisfying but love doing facials as I find it quite calming and love making people feel pampered and relaxed.

    If we found you in the treatment room, what treatment would you be having?
    If I was in the salon I would be having a massage and a tan as both make you feel so much better.

    Your best beauty/wellness tip?
    I love the Decleor 1 min mask, it’s great and convenient especially for me as don’t have much time with being a mum to two boys. I pop it on before bed brush my teeth and it’s done!

    If you’re not at work where would we find you?
    You would find me at home trying to be the best Mummy I can be (without tearing my hair out).

  • Danielle

    Danielle

    Beauty Therapist

    When did you join the Urban Sanctuary?
    I joined the team in March 2017, since then I became fully qualified under Gemma’s wings.

    What is your favourite treatment to perform and why?
    My favourite treatment to perform would have to be a 90 minute Decleor facial. It’s the nicest feeling to be able to make someone feel like they’re floating out of the salon with glowing skin.

    If we found you in the treatment room, what treatment would you be having?
    If you were to find me in a treatment room, I would definitely be having an extended back, neck and shoulder massage. A massage is just what I need to help me switch off and relax.

    Your best beauty/wellness tip?
    My best beauty tip would definitely be the importance of cleansing the face. We don’t realise how much dirt our skin collects from just day to day activities, double cleansing properly at the end of the day can make a massive difference to how your skin will feel and look!

    If you’re not at work where would we find you?
    If I’m not working, you will most definitely find me relaxing in front of the telly or at the gym. I would love to say cleaning but Netflix draws me in every weekend!

  • Danni

    Danni

    Beauty Therapist

    When did you join the Urban Sanctuary?
    I became part of the Urban Sanctuary team in 2017, but have been working as a therapist for 15 years and coming to work still feels more like a hobby than a job.

    What is your favourite treatment to perform and why?
    My absolute passion is skincare, there’s always new trends and I want to learn it all, I especially love doing the Decleor facials and all of the Dermaquest Resurfacers because of their incredible results. But also if my day was full of waxing I’d be happy.

    If we found you in the treatment room, what treatment would you be having?
    If I was found having a treatment it would definitely be lash extensions or laying under the Dermalux machine for a skin boost.

    Your best beauty/wellness tip?
    My beauty tips right would be use a night balm to hydrate and treat your skin and apply a layer on the lips to nourish and hydrate them overnight, my favourite at the moment is Decleor green mandarin. Another tip, wash make up brushes regularly to prevent bacteria causing breakouts.

    If you’re not at work where would we find you?
    If I am not at work I will be hanging out with my husband and 2 children, trying to see friend’s as much as possible in-between running and doing classes at the gym. I love music in every way.

  • Charlotte

    Charlotte

    Beauty Therapist

    When did you join the Urban Sanctuary?
    I joined in 2018 after I had my second child. I had been working as a therapist in Cuckfield for many prior to joining the salon.

    What is your favourite treatment to perform and why?
    I enjoy pedicures, seeing the transformation from start to finish! And the results with gel last so long on the toes!

    If we found you in the treatment room, what treatment would you be having?
    If I was found having a treatment, it would either be a super relaxing massage or having my gels done, love when the girls do them.

    Your best beauty/wellness tip?
    Doing a facial exfoliation at least once a week is one of the best tips from me, especially a couple of days before electrolysis, helps the hair break through any dry skin laying over the hair follicle!

    If you’re not at work where would we find you?
    When I’m not at work I’m mostly with my children doing the school run and planning our next weekend’s adventure!

  • Rachel

    Rachel

    Beauty Therapist

    When did you join the Urban Sanctuary?
    I joined team Urban Sanctuary in May 2019. Prior to that I worked locally as a therapist for many years.

    What is your favourite treatment to perform and why?
    I hand on heart love providing a variety of treatments and always struggle to pick just one favourite but if I really had to pick just one it would be facials.

    If we found you in the treatment room, what treatment would you be having?
    If I was found in the treatment room I’d be having a massage.

    Your best beauty/wellness tip?
    Wear SPF every single day even in winter months and drink water lots of water!

    If you’re not at work where would we find you?
    If I’m not at work I’m usually running after my two boys, running or catching up with friends.

  • Georgie

    Georgie

    Beauty Therapist

    When did you join the Urban Sanctuary?
    I joined the urbs team in April 2021. Previously I worked in a spa.

    What is your favourite treatment to perform and why?

    I can’t tell you how many people ask me this! In all honesty I love doing nails! For me, I enjoy getting to know my client and having a good old chin wag but at the same time I just love giving people that fresh set of nails that they can match to an outfit or show off to their friends and family!

    If we found you in the treatment room, what treatment would you be having?
    I would definitely be having a massage because afterwards I feel like I’m floating on clouds.

    Your best beauty/wellness tip?
    The best advice I can give you is if you are unsure on what product is best for your skin type just ask! Make sure to use a moisturiser every day morning and night!

    If you’re not at work where would we find you?

    If I’m not at work I’ll either be walking my dog or snuggled in the corner of the sofa watching a film!

  • Cristy

    Cristy

    Beauty Therapist

    When did you join the Urban Sanctuary?

    I joined the Urban Sanctuary in December 2020.

    What is your favourite treatment to perform and why?

    There is something very satisfying about doing treatments with instant results. For example, eyelash extensions/lift. I also really enjoy facials or massage. It is a great feeling knowing you have helped someone truly relax.

    If we found you in the treatment room, what treatment would you be having?

    I would be having a full body massage, including the scalp. True relaxation.

    Your best beauty/wellness tip?

    Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Making sure you have at least 2 litres. This will keep your skin hydrated. Double cleans the face, especially at night. It’s surprising how much dirt can build up over the course of a day. Double cleansing ensures all make up and dirt is removed from the skin, leaving the skin fully clean for the rest of your skin products to absorb and work properly.

    If you’re not at work where would we find you?

    If not at work, you would find me at a music festival or concert, with a group of my friends, having a great time.

  • Laura

    Laura

    Beauty Therapist

    When did you join the Urban Sanctuary?

    I joined the lovely Urban Sanctuary team in August of 2021.

    What is your favourite treatment to perform and why?

    I would probably say pedicures or nails. When I started training as a therapist in 2016 I always said that pedicures would be my least favourite treatment to offer. Now I love doing them…you get instant results and feet are a part of your body that we always forget about…but equally one of the most important. Treat your feet!

    If we found you in the treatment room, what treatment would you be having?

    I would definitely be having a massage, of any kind. It is the perfect way to relax and unwind after a busy day. I also love a lash lift and brow lamination…the perfect combo for a natural look and great results.

    Your best beauty/wellness tip?

    The best tip I can give is; exfoliate your feet!! We all normally just use a foot file to remove any hard skin, but an exfoliator afterwards can make a big difference. It helps to get rid of any excess dead skin on the soles of our feet and leaves them feeling softer. Always make sure you apply a good thick cream afterwards and let it soak in – your feet will feel amazing!!

    If you’re not at work, where would we find you?

    You will most probably find me with my horses, I have three and they keep me very busy. If you can’t find me there, I’ll be at a local pub with friends having a good catch up over a pub dinner!

  • Jade

    Jade

    Beauty Therapist

    When did you join the Urban Sanctuary?

    I joined the Urban Sanctuary in November 2021, but I have been qualified since 2010.

    What is your favourite treatment to perform and why?

    I couldn’t pick just one treatment, as I love having a variety throughout my day! My top four favourites would probably be Decleor facials, manicures, pedicures and all things eyebrows.

    If we found you in the treatment room, what treatment would you be having?

    The treatments that I try to have regularly are a massage, a pedicure and a lash lift.

    Your best beauty/wellness tip?

    I would say if you’re treating yourself to a massage or a facial, have it as late in the day as possible so that you can go home and continue the relaxation before bed. Also, a basic skincare routine is so important and only takes five minutes: double cleanse, tone and moisturise.

    If you’re not at work, where would we find you?

    Cosy at home, with family and friends or on a holiday!

  • Alexis

    Alexis

    Beauty Therapist

    When did you join the Urban Sanctuary?
    I joined the Urban Sanctuary in February 2023. Previously, I worked in a spa and before that I worked for an airline.

    What is your favourite treatment to perform and why?
    I really enjoy lash lifts as the results are immediate and also facial treatments. I find skin treatments and understanding the skin really interesting and so important as we get older. To help clients improve their skin and give them confidence is so rewarding.

    If we found you in the treatment room, what treatment would you be having?
    I would definitely be treating myself to a massage to help relax after a busy day at work or a manicure.

    Your best beauty/wellness tip?
    Always wear a high SPF daily and drink lots of water!

    If you’re not at work where would we find you?
    With my Daughter, Cavapoo, family and friends. If I have time I go to the gym and when I don’t have time I’ll be with friends drinking red wine over dinner.

  • Louise

    Louise

    Beauty Therapist

    When did you join the Urban Sanctuary?
    I joined the Urban Sanctuary team on the 13th of Feb 2023.

    What is your favourite treatment to perform and why?
    This is a hard one because I really enjoy performing several treatments. I love doing lash lifts as I love showing the client the end result. I also love spray tans I find them so therapeutic to do and they instantly make the client feel good.

    If we found you in the treatment room, what treatment would you be having?
    I would 100% be having a massage they really help me relax.

    Your best beauty/wellness tip?
    Never sleep with your makeup on no matter how late it is. Always following a cleansing routine every night before you go to bed.

    If you’re not at work where would we find you?
    I would be spending time with my family and my two young Nieces.

  • Holly

    Holly

    Beauty Therapist

    When did you join the Urban Sanctuary?
    I joined as part of the reception team in 2018 but caught the beauty bug and have since joined the therapist team.

    What is your favourite treatment to perform and why?
    I love all things lashes. A Lash Lift is great, it transforms the eyes and is really low maintenance. But I do love doing a full set of extensions, lashes make such a difference and really open up the eyes.

    If we found you in the treatment room, what treatment would you be having?
    I enjoy having facials. I find skincare really interesting and is hopefully something I will be learning in the future.

    Your best beauty/wellness tip?
    Wash your lashes!! Keeping your lash extensions clean with a special lash shampoo is so important and makes them last longer.

    If you’re not at work where would we find you?
    Socialising with my friends and family or at the stables riding my horse.

  • Liv

    Liv

    Lash Technician and HD Brow Specialist

  • Amelia

    Amelia

    Beauty Therapist

  • Lisa

    Lisa

    Nail Specialist

    When did you join the Urban Sanctuary?
    I joined just after the salon relocated in 2018.

    What is your favourite treatment to perform and why?
    Well as a Nail Specialist I just love nails. I love learning different techniques to pick the best one for my clients and make sure they get great results.

    If we found you in the treatment room, what treatment would you be having?
    I enjoy having my nails done, it’s nice to be on the other side of the nail bar. I also love a spray tan but for relaxation I would pick a massage.

    Your best beauty/wellness tip?
    Don’t forget your hands!! They are often overlooked in your routine, always use a hand cream and when you apply your SPF to your face, apply the left over to the back of your hands.

    If you’re not at work where would we find you?
    Spending time with my family and grandchildren. I also love art and spend any free time painting my next animal portrait.

  • May

    May

    Nail Specialist

    When did you join the Urban Sanctuary?
    I joined in 7th January 2020.

    What is your favourite treatment to perform and why?
    Gel file and polish, particularly when it involves playing with foils and glitter! I love the look of a fun complete set that my client walks out thinking looks amazing. (Oil slick or clearly oil slick are my particular favourite foils!)

    If we found you in the treatment room, what treatment would you be having?
    If I were to be having a treatment it would be Eyelash extensions, who doesn’t love a beautiful set of full eyelashes, and the opportunity to lay back and relax?! Or a full body massage… utter bliss!

    Your best beauty/wellness tip?
    Best tip: Cuticle oil, cuticle oil, cuticle oil! I keep mine in my footstool, so it’s always on hand when I sit down and relax at the end of the day.

    If you’re not at work where would we find you?
    If I’m not at work, I can either be found running around on the school run, or at home with my little man.

  • Emma

    Emma

    Massage Therapist

    When did you join the Urban Sanctuary?
    I Joined in May 2017.

    What is your favourite treatment to perform and why?
    Combination – tailored to each person’s specific healing requirements.
    Massage & Deep Tissue Massage are so beneficial for everyone on all levels. I do really love introducing people to the more holistic approach integrating Reiki Healing, Structural Rebalancing to really being an individual into a state of wholeness & alignment using all techniques. Physical, Emotional, Mental & Spiritual bodies are brought into balance this way.
    Facilitating real change, real growth, movement into a more positives way of living through combining bodywork and energy work. It’s so satisfying when I can see the effect this style of working has top results.

    If we found you in the treatment room, what treatment would you be having?
    It would have to be Reflexology, as a Pisces the feet are my hotspot.

    Your best beauty/wellness tip?
    Stay hydrated, Practise Yoga and Breath work, take time for daily Meditation.

    If you’re not at work where would we find you?
    Definitely in a Yoga studio.

  • Katie

    Katie

    Massage Therapist

  • Abigail

    Abigail

    Sports and Remedial Massage Therapist

    When did you join the Urban Sanctuary?

    I joined at the end of May 2022.

    What is your favourite treatment to perform and why?

    If we found you in the treatment room, what treatment would you be having?

    Even though I have been a massage therapist since 2014 it has only been in the last few years I have explored different treatments for myself. I had a 90 minute full body massage treatment with Cristy and found the scalp massage particularly beneficial. I look forward to trying a facial and scalp massage soon.

    Your best beauty/wellness tip?

    Take your time. Making sudden changes can cause your body and mind to go into shock, be gentle with it and enjoy your journey.

    If you’re not at work where would we find you?

    I am a member of the Cuckfield Archery Club and The British Academy of Dramatic Combat so most weekends I am training with them. Otherwise I’ll be with my housemates having brunches and playing cards.

  • Nicola

    Nicola

    Massage Therapist

    When did you join the Urban Sanctuary?
    I started in April 2022.

    What is your favourite treatment to perform and why?

    My favourite treatment to give is a combination of deep tissue and relaxing massage of the shoulders and neck because you feel an instant relief from pain. I tailor every massage to the clients specific needs. Often it will involve a combination of relaxation massage and deep tissue massage in the areas of soreness and tight muscles. I believe in a holistic approach to well being making each massage treat the whole body.

    If we found you in the treatment room, what treatment would you be having?
    When I’m not having a wonderful massage I love to have a facial. The facial products make my skin look great and I get to relax for an hour.

    Your best beauty/wellness tip?
    Listen to your body. Don’t leave it too long to get treated for sore muscles or joints that have restricted movement.

    If you’re not at work where would we find you?
    You will most probably find me at the stables having a horse ride or out walking or running with my dog.

  • Jaki

    Jaki

    Holistic Therapist

    When did you join the Urban Sanctuary?
    July 2014 I joined our amazing team.

    What is your favourite treatment to perform and why?
    My favourite treatment to give is Combined Reflexology and Indian head massage, it facilitates balance perfectly, with a wide range of benefits such as promoting regulation of the hormonal, nervous, respiratory and digestive systems and even pain management. You can drift off and find your inner calm, leaving our salon feeling revitalised and ready to continue ‘living your best life’.

    If we found you in the treatment room, what treatment would you be having?
    Obviously I’m a huge fan of holistic treatments but if you found me in a treatment room – a staple treatment I really love to have is the ‘Lash Lift’. It’s a time saver having a curl that lasts 2-3 months, the tint gives definition that looks as though you have mascara on which is great as I don’t have to worry about it running due to hay fever or getting in my contact lenses!

    Your best beauty/wellness tip?
    In the morning I apply a thin layer Decléor Phytopeel on the back of my hands and leave it on whilst I brush my teeth. After I gently brush the Phytopeel off with my fingers over the sink. Rinse hands and gently pat dry with a towel. Lastly apply a coat of Hand cream. Massaging in particular over the around the gaps between fingers, wringing over the wrists and into your cuticles. Keep the moisturiser on your sink to reapply a protective coat when you wash your hands through the day or place in your hand bag to do the same if you are on the go.

    If you’re not at work where would we find you?
    Two words ‘Beach and Crochet’. I live by the coast, so if we are not doing our home renovation you will usually find me walking over to Lancing Beach to sit outside the Perch café. Crisp Elderflower pressé, an audio book through my head phones and a crochet project in hand whilst watching the waves. Perfect.

  • Clare

    Clare

    Reflexologist

    When did you join the Urban Sanctuary?

    I joined the wonderful team at the Urban Sanctuary in 2022. I feel very grateful to be running my Clare White Reflexology clinics from such a relaxing space.

    What is your favourite treatment to perform and why?

    That’s an easy one, I have been a Reflexologist for many years, so no surprises that my favourite treatment is Reflexology. I count myself so lucky as I truly love what I do. Just one hour of this deeply restorative therapy can make such a difference to your overall wellbeing.

    I am a fully qualified Reflexologist specialising in (and passionate about) women’s wellness. I provide treatments to support women through the transformative phases of their lives helping to minimise the effects of stress from the constant juggle and pressure of modern life.

    I love giving the clients I treat the opportunity to be supported, nurtured, to rest and unwind. Reflexology can help you bring about balance within your body and quieten a busy, anxious mind. With a client specific treatment plan tailored to you and your needs, we can work on rebalancing, relaxing and bringing you back to you, supporting your wellness naturally.

    If we found you in the treatment room, what treatment would you be having?

    I do like a good manicure (I have to take care of my hands!), but I have been meaning to try a lash lift for ages so that will be the next treatment you will find me having in the treatment room.

    Your best beauty/wellness tip?

    “It is impossible to be too kind to yourself.” When you are looking after your needs first, you feel rested, content, energised and happy which in turn has a wonderful impact on those around you.

    If you’re not at work where would we find you?

    I am a Mummy to 2 young girls who keep me well and truly on my toes so away from work you will find me spending time with my family, otherwise I will be the one fast asleep at the end of my yoga class!

     

  • Dr Etienne Raffner

    Dr Etienne Raffner

    Facial Aesthetics Doctor

    Meet Dr Etienne Raffner, a Maxillo-facial & Oral surgeon now offering facial aesthetic treatments at the Urban Sanctuary. Dr Raffner is dual qualified in both Medicine (MBBcH) and Dentistry (BDS) with more than 10 years experience in the specialty and focuses on subtle, rejuvenating facial aesthetic treatments to enhance the patient’s natural features. He has a kind and approachable nature and creates personalised treatment plans based on his patients’ requirements. Enquire about a personal consultation to discuss the available treatments, Dr Raffner prides himself on delivering a high quality aesthetic experience.

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