If you know (and love) what a Brazilly is, or if you’re into avant-garde nail art by seasoned pros, you’re already a fan of The Ten Spot Beauty Bars. We caught up with CEO and creator Kristen Wood to find out more about her fab “anti-spas” and life outside the beauty bars…
Tell us a bit about yourself. What should people know?
My name is Kristen Wood. I’m the CEO and creator of The Ten Spot Beauty Bars, a growing chain of upscale, “anti-spa” beauty bars. We specialize in manicures, pedicures, waxing and facials. We’re most famous, though, for our Brazilly waxes. As CEO, my focus is on expansion, including franchise sales. I’m very hands-on with developing any new protocols and procedures for the spa, as well as developing and executing all branding, marketing and design work (since graphic design is my background).
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What are the biggest challenges and best rewards about what you do?
Tough talks are the most challenging. I dread having to have difficult a conversation with someone. Unfortunately, you can’t get away from them in any sort of business or personal relationship, and you can’t pass them off either. But they can also be valuable.
The best part is when I tell someone what I do and they say, “Oh, I love The Ten Spot!” It’s such an amazing feeling to know that people are really into something I created. It could have remained an idea in my head; instead, it’s this place that thousands of people visit every month, and that’s still mind-blowing to me.
What are three things you can’t live without?
1. My son
2. My laptop
3. My phone
Finish this sentence: I love Toronto because…
…it has the best of everything: cute boutiques, amazing cafes and restaurants, and a lot of culture. There is always some new adventure you can go on.
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What’s your favourite restaurant and why?
I bet everyone says this, but Terroni. It’s just so damn good. The spaghetti al limone is my absolute fave.
What’s one of your favourite go-to designers/brands or accessories lines and why do you sport their fashions?
I love Pink Tartan. I’m a big fan of dresses and they do them really well. I also love the online shop Brika. All their stuff is beautiful and it’s all smaller designers so it feels good to get something original and to support up-and-comers!
What products are always in your beauty bag?
My mascara. I used to be a big department store makeup shopper until I was sent a tube of L’Oreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara to try when I was blogging. It blew me away and I’ve been obsessed with it ever since. I get compliments on my lashes all the time because of it.
What style trends are you obsessed with right now?
Well, since nails are my biz I love simple nail art. Not the gaudy airbrushed designs of the 90s, but rather just using simple lines and pairing colours to create some really cool stuff. Each month at The Ten Spot we create a #GetTheLook that people can get inspired from and then come into the Spots to have it done!
What’s your favourite spa or service?
The Ten Spot, but of course!
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Let’s get social for a mo’. How can people stay up-to-date with your busy life?
the10spot.com, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, #GetTheLook.
