View full sizeHelene Lawless, owner of Be Smooth, stands at the salon's beauty bar next to employee Kate Paul. Lawless opened the salon in November and offers waxing, body treatment and diet services. After spending 15 years as a saleswoman for a French cosmetic line, Helene Lawless was ready for a change.
"I was sick of the traveling," Lawless said
She also tired of seeing the expensive prices for facials and other esthetic services. So she decided to quit her job and start her own salon that specializes in waxing, facials and a host of other services.
And on the Friday after Thanksgiving,
opened in the
at 120 N.W. 13th Ave.
"I really want it to be affordable," she said, adding that business has been good. "I had 11 new clients in a day. I’m happy if I have five new clients a day."
Lawless’ French origin is nearly as evident throughout her salon as it is in her noticeable accent. All of the product lines and boutique gifts she sells in the store are from France; even the music that can be heard from the front door is French.
Lawless moved to California from France about 16 years ago, she moved to Portland not long after that. She has also been a cosmetic chemist and is well-versed in all of those confusing ingredients listed on most cosmetic creams and products.
"It’s easier when I pick an ingredient listing, I know what’s in there and know whether it works or not," Lawless said.
In addition to the shelves of products on the walls, Be Smooth has a beauty bar where bright white chairs sit before large mirrors creating a place for facials and facial waxing to be performed. Nearby is an array of framed, celebrity photos called the, "Wall of Brows," where customers can use the pictures to describe the brow shape they want.
Another room is reserved for body waxing, and another is for body treatments and consultations for a diet program Lawless also offers.
The diet, which helped Lawless lose 25 pounds, involves high protein shakes and other specific foods. It also uses a slimming device from Italy that uses micro-currents to stimulate and work muscles.
"It isn’t painful at all, but it makes your body sort of exercise," she said.
Lawless is also planning to expand her services to include sunless tanning. Cost of services vary and membership programs are available, with cheaper options for students and joint mother and daughter memberships.
Lawless wants people to know that customers who come to her salon won't be pressured into purchases.
"We try not to be pushy," she said. "We give lots of samples. I’d rather people try it and like it."