This year, Gina Conway is celebrating her 10 year anniversary as a local business. She opened her salon on King's Road last year and tells us about her King's Road.
What’s your earliest memory of the King’s Road?
I first was introduced to the King's Road on my first date with my current husband 14 years ago! I think he was trying to impress me.
What are you up to at the moment?
I am having my 10 year anniversary for my business and am celebrating with an exciting “Real Women, Real Beauty” campaign, and am asking all my clients to enter. We are doing a photo shoot and art exhibit in all salons for this. I want to thank all my loyal guests for their amazing support.
What are you wearing at the moment?
I don’t really do trendy. I am more into vintage finds and retro style. I shop ethically wherever possible. My last fashion purchase was a pair of D and G green jeans at a swishing party (a party where clothes are swapped as part of an ethical stand on fast fashion).
What are your favourite shops?
I like Anthropologie because it has a mixed retail offering and great shoes. I also love the Orla Keily shop by me. It is quirky with fun fashion and beautiful quality pieces.
What’s your latest find on King’s Road?
I love the little Indian furnishings shop Opium down near Worlds End. So many fun finds and curios.
Favourite pubs and bars?
Having my Christmas party at the new Kings Club. Beautiful space and great drinks.
Your favourite cocktail?
I love a great Mojito. Still looking for the perfect one. I will just have to keep testing them out!
Your last kiss on King’s Road?
I think my last kiss was my first kiss with my husband. He took me to a little café for lunch and gave me a lovely tour of the King's Road and I have been in love ever since!
Your favourite designer labels?
Prada, Alexander Mcqueen, and Vivienne Westwood.
Your fashion heroes?
Always Vivienne Westwood for her bravery and guts.
The last place you visited on King’s Road?
I bought a new pair of glasses at David Clulow (next to my salon), to finish off the 50’s librarian look.
The last show you saw at the Royal Court Theatre?
Embarrassed to say I haven’t been yet. I have four businesses and three small children. I don’t get out much for fun yet. Yet.
Favourite season on the King’s Road?
I love Fall because I am a fall fashion girl. So cruising King's Road when the weather is a bit brisk and jumping in for a nice coffee really gets me going.
Where would you tell a shopper to go on King’s Road?
I would encourage shoppers to use the whole King's Road. Take the day. I want to create a Shopping Boulevard to encourage all people to enjoy all the little delights King's Road has to offer.
What do you love about King’s Road?
The surprises.
The boutiques unique to the area and the local shops. I love the history of Kings Road. There should definitely be a history walk on the King's Road.
Can you reveal any famous customers who have been into your shop / business?
I am proud that we are a discreet hair salon and don’t use our celebrity clientelle for PR purposes. What I can reveal is that we have many guests that are from the music industry, and models as well as some famous TV presenters.
What music are you listening to at the moment?
I love Feist, and Florence and the Machine.
Three things you can’t live without
Reilly (five year old), Jake (three year old), and Isabella (one year old). Period. They are my inspiration and my joy, and besides, Reilly will be a hairdresser when she grows up, she is practicing.
Favourite part of the road?
I haven’t got one. I love the whole road. I love to walk the whole thing and spend the day there. How lucky are we to have this rich avenue so full of fashion, interiors, fabulous hair salons, cafes, and unique mix of one off shops.
I pray it doesn’t go too retail chain, that would kill the great vibe. Please shop local to keep the cool traders in business.
Do you Tweet?
Yes! You can follow me at @GinaConwayAveda
How do you keep fit?
Tennis, skiing, and just got my bike out of the shed. Look out for me, I will be wearing my Prada with a bike helmet.
What is your King’s Road secret?
I would have to say Gina Conway Aveda Salon and Spa. I have the most amazing team there that are so talented and lovely. They are so focused on delivering the best customer care you can imagine. I am so proud of them. It feels like the best secret in town. You walk in and all your troubles melt away.
What makes the King’s Road special to you?
The energy it has. It just feels great to be here. It is the holy grail of retail. When I opened my salon and spa in Kings Road, it was such a proud moment as it was what I had been aspiring to do all my career.
You can visit Gina Conway on 199 King's Road.
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