Five Minutes With: Salon Sugar

Tell us about your journey so far – how did you end up setting up a salon in Newcastle?

My name is Emma Bitsi and I moved from Greece to the UK with a dream of building a better future for myself. Starting a business in a new country wasn’t easy. I had to adapt to a different culture, learn how things worked and build everything from the ground up.

After working hard in the beauty industry and gaining experience, I decided to take the leap and open Salon Sugar in Newcastle city centre. It was a big risk, but I believed in my vision. Today, Salon Sugar has become a busy and welcoming salon with a loyal client base, and I am incredibly proud of how far we have come in such a short time.

What was your main goal while setting up Salon Sugar? 

My goal was simple: to create a salon where every client feels comfortable, valued and confident. I wanted to offer high-quality treatments while creating a positive and friendly environment where people enjoy spending their time.

I also wanted to prove to myself that with determination and hard work, it is possible to build a successful business from nothing.

What kind of treatments do you offer at Salon Sugar?

We specialise in nails, BIAB, acrylic extensions, gel nails, lash extensions, lash lifts, brow treatments and beauty services. We focus on quality, attention to detail and making sure every client leaves feeling their best.

Can you tell us more about the training opportunities you offer?

One of the things I am most passionate about is helping others enter the beauty industry. We offer beginner training courses in nail and beauty treatments, giving students the practical skills and confidence they need to start their own journey.

I know how challenging it can be when you first start, so I always try to provide support and guidance beyond the training day itself.

What do you think makes Salon Sugar different from other beauty salons?

I believe our customer service and personal approach set us apart. We genuinely care about our clients and work hard to make everyone feel welcome from the moment they walk through the door.

We have built a community rather than just a client list. Many of our clients have been with us for years and have become part of the Salon Sugar family.

We also focus on creating a fun and relaxing experience. We always have complimentary sweets available for our clients and love treating them whenever they visit. It’s a small touch, but our customers absolutely love it and it helps create a warm and friendly atmosphere where everyone feels at home.

For us, it’s not just about beauty treatments – it’s about making people feel special.

What advice would you give to other women hoping to set up their own business?

Believe in yourself, even when nobody else does. There will always be challenges, setbacks and moments when you question yourself, but success comes from staying consistent and refusing to give up.

You don’t need to have everything figured out from the beginning. Start where you are, keep learning and trust the process.

And finally, what is the best thing about having a business in Newcastle city centre?

The best thing is the people. Newcastle is a vibrant, friendly and supportive city. Being based in the city centre allows us to meet people from all walks of life and be part of a fantastic business community.

I am grateful for the support I have received from local clients and organisations, and I am proud to be a female business owner in such an amazing city.

Salon Sugar is located at 5-6 Old Eldon Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7JG. For more information or to book an appointment visit instagram.com/salonsugarnewcastle.

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