Meet the Team

Valerie Simpson - Founder of FAB Group

My background as an aesthetician has been a long journey of some thirty years, which includes the launch of The Face and Body Shop in 1997. We have since rebranded to the FAB Salon and our business has grown from a team of three to a team of twenty plus.

As the market trends changed I felt the need to progress and expand the business model, hence the launch of the FAB Clinic in 2014 www.thefabclinic.co.uk.

After 22 years of leading The Fab Group, I am now taking a well deserved step back! Leaving Lisa and Lucy to head the business and take it to another level.

I am always here if you have any questions and I hope you enjoy the ongoing journey.

Lisa McGuinness – Managing Director

I joined the FAB group in 2003 after a career change from the film production industry. Starting at the salon as a receptionist I enjoyed liaising and building customer service skills with clients so much I decided to train in therapy and started in-house training towards beauty therapy. Fast track training of NVQ 2 + 3 gave me a confident start into treatment therapy.

As a manager I continued developing treatment and product knowledge with Clarins, Guinot, Medik8 + Obagi Medical. I also trained with Candela in Laser Hair Removal, Skin Rejuvenation, Sublime, Sublative and Acne treatments.

I progressed to become the Managing Director dealing with all HR matters and organising all forms of training, appraisals, promotions, marketing and social media matters.

If you would like to make a suggestion or comment, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am always here to help, whatever the query. I look forward to welcoming you to our FABulous Salon & Clinic.

Lucy Simpson - Director

I have always taken a keen interest in the family business but went to Leeds University to study Dentistry. My clinical background prompted the launch of The FAB Clinic, and I am now a director of our business.

Day to day, I am a general dentist working across various practices in Manchester. I work at The FAB Clinic on a weekly basis, providing a range of treatments including Botox, Fillers and prescription skincare. I regularly attend aesthetic conferences and exhibitions to keep up to date with the latest developments.

Outside of work, I enjoy playing netball and walking in the beautiful Cheshire Countryside!

I am always happy to give my clinical opinion, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about the treatments we provide.

Karen Schofield - Reception Manager

I joined The FAB Salon on March the 4th 1997, the first day the salon opened. I started my post running reception part-time and over the years with training and support I now hold a fulltime role, my position now is Senior Manager. I have undertaken extensive training in both Guinot and Clarins products and services and I feel I have a lot of knowledge in both brands enabling me to give professional advice to all of our clients. In 1999 I was privileged to be awarded 'M.E.N. Receptionist of the Year', an accolade I will always be proud of. I continue to develop my skills with ongoing training with all of our brands and treatments.

I love all aspects of my job but particularly I like dealing directly with the clients, offering the best customer service and advise that I can. There is never a dull moment on reception, I really enjoy the team spirit with my colleagues and the friendly banter with our customers. I am also willing to go that extra mile to keep everyone happy.

Outside of work I enjoy walking and travelling both here in Saddleworth and abroad with my sister and also spending time with my family and friends. We also have a dog called Amber who I walk regularly, this keeps me fit and young along with all the lovely treatments I have at the salon!

Lindsay Ogden – Salon Manager / Head Therapist

I have worked at The FAB Salon since 2001 and currently hold the position of Salon Manager and Head Therapist. I’ve had many different positions throughout my beauty career starting with junior therapist and developing my skills to become salon and spa manager, retail manager in a large department store and trainer both here and overseas.

I have over 30 years experience within the beauty industry, and one of my greatest career achievements was winning the national title of 'Professional Beauty Therapist of the Year', an accolade I will always be proud of.

My work here involves not only looking after my clients but also nurturing and encouraging all members of staff. I am always more than happy to pass on my wealth of experience and professionalism to any new team members. It is my duty to maintain the efficiency of the salon, making sure everything is in tip top condition; clean, comfortable and relaxing.

I give 100% dedication to all my clients and hope that they go away from the Salon, not only having had a great experience but also with the knowledge and advice that I have passed on to them, how to continue with The FAB Salon skincare routine which is best for them at home. I love all the treatments I do especially facials and pedicures. I have also trained in clinical procedures and feel this gives me more tools and expertise for my clients.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my daughter and taking our dog out for plenty of walks in the surrounding countryside.

Cathy Shepherd - Office Manager

I joined Fab on a part time basis in October 2020 at the height of the pandemic. This was a real career change for me having previously worked as a solicitor for over twelve years and then having my own retail business for a further twelve years. I have to say for me, my job as office manager, encompasses everything I enjoyed about my former positions, which is ensuring all our customers have the best possible experience in all their dealings with us, contributing to the smooth running of the business. And last, but no means least, working with a wonderful team of colleagues who take pride in the service we offer here at FAB and the standards that we maintain.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family and my friends and walking my dog poppy. I also love to travel.

Mikala Squire - Salon Receptionist

I joined the company in 2023. For the last 28 years I have worked with adults with learning disabilities and autism in supported living and in education.

I have always been a customer of the Salon and I really enjoyed my visits – from the lovely welcome I received from the reception staff to how attentive the therapists are. I always left feeling pampered and relaxed.

Out of work I like spending time with my family, eating out and going to the theatre. I also enjoy swimming and all things ancestry.

Joanna Lancashire – Head Therapist

I joined The FAB Salon at the age of fifteen, undertaking work experience training. Once I decided this was the career for me I was honoured to be offered a placement during my three years of training at Oldham college.

In 2003 I qualified as a Beauty Therapist and since this time I have progressed from a Junior Therapist to a Head Therapist.

I enjoy my job and like to make my clients feel welcome and always try to help them with whatever concerns they may have. I am proud of what I do and the high quality of products that we use in the Salon, I have trained extensively during my career with skincare houses such as Clarins, Guinot, Caci and many more. I have recently trained in Laser Hair removal and Skin laser which I undertake at out sister company The FAB clinic. This industry is fast moving and I love the fact that I am constantly re-training and updating my skills and knowledge.

I thoroughly enjoy working alongside my colleagues and being part of a friendly team and I look forward to meeting all the wonderful customers that visit our Salon.

Outside of work I love spending time with my dog.

Laura Baron - Head Therapist / Nail Technician

I joine The FAB Salon in 2010 as a nail technician and although nails was what brought me into the industry I was keen to extend my skills by undertaking further training. So I went on to gain my NVQ 3 Beauty Therapy, and I can now offer a complete range of treatments and services.

I have been lucky enough to extend my skills with international travel, working in Australia for a year developing new techniques and using a wide range or products and brands.

Nails are still the best part of my job, I love the precision and artistry of the work and the fact that the results are visible to the client all the time and a reminder of the treatment and service they have had.

Nicola Nicolson - Head Therapist

My name is Nicola and I have worked in the beauty industry for over twenty-five years. I am a highly qualified and experienced therapist, with various qualifications and training in my chosen career.

During my time as a therapist I have veered towards the holistic treatments, I specialise in Reflexology, Indian Head Massage and Hopi Ear Candles, I feel my strengths are empathy and care with all my clients although I do enjoy the variety of treatments that I undertake.

I have been at the FAB salon now for a number of years and working part-time gives me the flexibility to care for my family. I really enjoy helping nurture our junior members of our team and I get along well with all the team at FAB.

In my spare time I enjoy running and visiting the gym, along with spending time with my family and 3 dogs.

Sian O'Grady - Head Therapist

I joined the FAB Salon in 2017. I have worked in the Beauty industry for over 12 years and specialise in nail services, intimate waxing and lashes. However I enjoy all aspects of my job and am currently working towards my level 3 qualification and hope to develop to a Clinical level in the next 2 years.

I particularly enjoy working at the FAB Salon as all aspects of the business, from our clients to our services and the environment, are our highest priority.

Outside of the Salon I love spending time with my daughter and friends.

Mandy Greenwood - Head Therapist

I first joined FAB in 1998 at the age of twenty years, coming straight from qualifying at college, gaining lots of confidence and experience over the years and furthering my qualifications in advanced treatments.

In 2013 I decided to have a career break whilst I raised my son. Nearly nine years later and feeling I needed to get back to work, I was thrilled to be offered a position here again and so returned part time as a head therapist.

I pride myself in looking after clients, caring for their needs, making them feel comfortable and working with fantastic products such as Clarins and Guinot in order to give clients the best salon experience.

I love all aspects of my job and doing a wide variety of treatments. My particular favourites are facials. I also enjoy working alongside the lovely team we have.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, holidaying and shopping.

Saffron Durr - Therapist

I started an apprenticeship here at Fab salon with Tameside college in 2019, having completed NVQ2 I am now starting NVQ3.

I feel very lucky to get the chance to work at such a reputable salon and enjoy it very much so. I also work with supportive, friendly colleagues who offer me the best advice and support in the salon to help further my skills. I believe I have learnt key communication skills which will benefit me in various aspects of beauty. I would say that a strength of mine is my ability to make my clients feel welcome and at ease.

I enjoy learning the different aspects of beauty, especially facial treatments and massage treatments but I am looking forward to learning new skills and treatments along the way.

In my spare time I enjoy ballroom and latin dancing and love spending time with my friends, family and my dog.

Grace Hill - Therapist

I started my journey with FAB with the opportunity of work experience whilst studying at school. This was a great insight into the running of a salon and what to expect. I Have now qualified in NVQ Level 2 Beauty Therapy, whilst working part time at FAB I am working towards completion of NVQ Level 3 qualification at Tameside College.

Working and training in house at the salon has allowed me to acquire new skills and further develop my understanding and knowledge of the beauty industry, whilst continuing with my studies to obtain further qualifications.

I enjoy working in this prestigious and award winning salon and carrying out a wide range of beauty treatments. I aim to provide first class beauty treatments and the best client care in a friendly, welcoming and professional environment.

In my spare time I enjoy socialising with family and friends.

Halle Birch - Therapist

I had the opportunity of work experience with FAB and was delighted to be offered a part time position during the pandemic. I am a qualified NVQ Level 2 Beauty Therapist, currently working towards my Level 3 at Hopwood Hall College. FAB gave me the opportunity to receive Clarins Facial training which benefitted me so much and helped grow my confidence, skills and knowledge. I enjoy working in the salon and seeing the difference I can achieve after providing my treatments as well as the satisfaction of being able to relax my clients with facials and massages.

Eventually I would like to work on the clinical side of the business looking at training in more aesthetic treatments too.

Outside of work I enjoy riding my horse, being with friends, family and my two dogs.

Becky Thewlis - Therapist

I joined FAB in 2023 after a career change. I used to work in the insurance industry. I studied sociology at university and worked in customer service for over ten years. I then took a career break in 2019 to focus on raising my children.

The beauty industry is one I have always been interested in. I took this opportunity to retrain as a beauty therapist and qualified in Level 3 Spa Body. I am currently training in Level 2 Beauty at Tameside. I love all the different aspects of my job. My favourite treatments are facials and massage. I also enjoy learning from and working alongside the amazing team we have here.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, walking and travelling.

Lyla Bottomley - Therapist

I Started working at Face and Body in 2023. Having finished my level 2 technical beauty therapy at Hopwood Hall. I have now started studying my level 3 beauty as an apprentice at the Salon. I would like to progress and hope to achieve levels 4 and 5 also.

I love to help clients feel confident about themselves and to see everyone leaving the salon with a smile. I also love meeting new people along my journey.

In my spare time I enjoy shopping and going out with my friends.

Poppy Kinsella - Therapist

Since being a little girl, my mum has always taken me to the FAB Salon for treatments and I’ve always loved the experience.

After leaving school and going down a career path that wasn’t for me, I went to the Salon for an appointment and instantly pictured myself working and learning there.

Shortly afterwards I contacted the Salon and was lucky enough to be offered an NVQ2 beauty apprenticeship.

I love working in the salon performing treatments for all my clients and helping them to unwind and relax to their fullest. I feel so privileged to have been given the opportunity to work at such a reputable salon with amazing colleagues who offer me great advice and support whenever I need it.

I look forward to expanding my knowledge of beauty and progressing in my career such that one day I hope to be able to work on the clinical side of the business too.

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family and friends and travelling to new destinations where I can experience new cultures.