IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NEELU BEAUTY SALON
A milestone anniversary …
Neelu White’s journey from classical music to classic beauty is one of passion and perseverance. Neelu’s Beauty Salon, a haven for glowing skin and natural treatments, began with a short holiday to Ireland that turned into a four-decade love story. In August 1983, Neelu arrived in Ireland to visit her brother, a doctor, for a few weeks. A classically trained musician with a Master’s in Indian instrumental music, she had no idea that within days, her life would change. “I came for a holiday… and stayed for a lifetime!” she says.
FROM HARMONY TO HEALING
“I was approached by the Indian ambassador and persuaded by the legendary musician and composer Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin to teach Indian classical music in University College Cork for a few weeks,” recalls Neelu. A few weeks turned into two years. And Neelu soon discovered another calling: drawn to the world of beauty, she trained under Lorraine Galligan – “the best teacher in the world” – and began work experience in Aida Gray’s beauty salon in Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin. “I started with my own kit from beauty college, offering free treatments to build trust. And slowly, word spread.”
Daphne Kinley, manager of Dun Laoghaire shopping centre in the 1980s, was the first person to suggest Neelu start her own salon. “She gave me a small unit at a good rent and, with the support of my brother’s friend, Prabhu Kulkarni, we got a bank loan from AIB Cornmarket. I opened my first salon on the top floor on August 1, 1985.”
TOUCH & TRUST
From day one, Neelu built not just a business, but also a bond with her clients, off ering care, connection and community. “I have been the luckiest person in business; locals were wonderful to me all those years. I was young when I arrived, and had never left home, so my clients became my family. When I got married, my side of the church was full of my clients – they all came to support me because they knew I had only my brother in Ireland. They are my family here. Even now, I visit some of my ladies in nursing homes. They might not remember my name, but when I touch their face or hands, they smile and feel the affection. That’s the power of human touch. “My son has special needs and the support I got from my ladies in the early years was phenomenal. Even now, they never forget to ask about my son. I’m so grateful for the kindness and empathy of Irish people.”
Approached by Arnotts to open a brow bar in 2008, Neelu ended up opening a full beauty salon after three months. After nearly a decade there, she moved on to Liffey Street Lower – and her clients followed her, often across three generations.
“You can’t conquer age, but you can age gracefully. Enhance what’s already beautiful, and celebrate yourself.”
BEAUTY THE NATURAL WAY
Neelu has stayed true to her beauty philosophy. “I always tell people, grow old gracefully, and enhance what you have, because it is unique. We are all individuals, and we cannot all look the same. Celebrate yourself. I’m always aware of Ayurvedic principles, and how beauty comes from the inside out: your lifestyle and what you eat gives you good skin, helped by treatments and products. I’ve never believed in chemicals, ever. I don’t offer gel polishes or false lashes to my clients on an ongoing basis; they are fine for special occasions, but not for everyday use. And I recommend my clients ‘eat’ their retinol – i.e. vitamin A-rich foods such as carrots – to enjoy the benefits without any irritation.”
Follow @neelusbeautysalonnn online for inspiration. Neelu has stocked plant-derived skincare line Le Mieux since 2010. “Le Mieux offers anti-inflammatory, regenerative solutions centred on skin perfecting, customisable serums. With Le Mieux, even the cleanser contains hyaluronic acid, so nothing strips your skin.” She also stocks a variety of Wallaroo sun hats, the stylish way to block UV rays, for men and women.
40 YEARS ON
Long before threading became the go-to brow technique, Neelu was quietly shaping brows and removing facial hair for students at Galligan College of Beauty. “Waxing was too harsh. Threading was the gentle, precise alternative – and I knew it would catch on.”
Today, Neelu continues to offer this popular service, along with a full menu of natural and high-tech treatments. Four decades on, she brings her positive energy and expertise to every treatment, large or small, offering her loyal clientele a refreshing alternative to invasive therapies.
TREAT YOURSELF
Neelu’s salon is your sanctuary for natural treatments such as threading, body contouring or simply finding your glow again. New client facials start at €150 (60 minutes); Signature Gua Sha Sculpting Facial, €175 (75 minutes). Cutting-edge treatments include iRevive Neuro-Frequency, Microdermabrasion and RF Collagen Boosters.
Neelu’s Beauty Salon, 6 Liffey Street Lower, Dublin 1. Call Neelu today to book an appointment and see real results in your skin: 01 280 6742 / 01 878 8132. Gift vouchers are also available.
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