StyleNest chats to Reena Hammer, creative and marketing director at Urban Retreat, the delectable day spa with locations across the UK.
Urban Retreat is the ultimate beauty destination, a place where StyleNest go to receive luxury treatments, expert advice and a warm and welcoming service. Urban Retreat at Harrods is our go to spa for bliss out treatments, speedy manicures and the best blowdry. We were lucky enough to catch up with creative and marketing director, Reena and find out everything from beauty tips to fashion, and what goes on behind the scenes at Urban Retreat HQ.
You are the Creative & Marketing director at Urban Retreat, What exactly does this entail?
My job is highly creative, but also quite structured and results led. I manage the relationships with the brands we stock and collaborate with. I work on their marketing in-store, coming up with new creative ways to do things, whilst always ensuring it looks beautiful. A lot of my job is based around design, creating enticing visual campaigns and magazines, so I have three great guys who make my visions a reality. I also manage all our online activity including our online beauty shop The Urban Retreat Beautique, which is a luxury beauty portal selling brands like CDLM, Tom Ford, La Prairie and Laura Mercier.
Both your mum and dad are renowned within the beauty industry. What exactly was it that inspired you to get into the business yourself?
Both my parents have an amazing work ethic, so this was something that was ingrained in me too. My appreciation for the industry was formed at infancy really. I used to be surrounded by products piled high, and we had models and designers visiting our home regularly. I think I was like a sponge and so naturally this was the best fit for me. But I also love beauty, what is does, how it makes you feel and its glamour. But I must admit I do love the proper business side of things and this love translates into the other businesses I’m involved in that aren’t beauty based. But I look at everything with an eye on presentation and design.
What was it like growing up surrounded by such hard-working and successful parents?
It was all I knew, so I can’t say it’s better or worse than others. But it was always exciting, my parents involved me in all things, they took me to dinner parties, let me travel with them, asked my opinion – it was always quite grown up really. But there is a point when you do have to prove yourself as an individual. At first people treat you harder and test you more, but once proved it’s amazing. The respect you have once you’ve earned it in conjunction with respect for your parents is incredible. But having only the latter is not good enough.
You are still only young and have achieved so much. How do you cope with the pressure of running a successful business?
I just work hard and love what I do. There are a million balls to juggle at any one time, especially as my dad has so many ideas that he then wants me to implement. But I cope by genuinely liking what I do, having great people in my team who I can trust and lean on. My office is a big (slightly messy) creative floor, we all interact and work as a team -so much pressure is relieved in how we all act as one. But I think working under pressure is good, nothing is good when it’s slow and boring.
What does your typical workday wardrobe consist of?
Well I have two quite different looks depending on whether I am at Harrods or Head Office. At Harrods I have to be very presentable, heels are a must with power dresses and great tailoring. At Head Office I am more relaxed; I like well draped clothing and things with details, alongside my trusted Louboutin studded boots. But my main thing is accessories – I am a jewellery fiend and always have at least 3 rings on. I also love Eddie Borgo and Loree Rodkin.
What do you do when you have time to relax?
I watch TV and switch off with programs like Mad Men, Boardwalk Empire, and Downton Abbey. I have a lovely dog, so going for walks with him are fun. But I love to cook and entertain at home; I love food and find cooking quite therapeutic. I do make time to have weekly manicures which, even though I am in the business, I switch off totally for 30 minutes.
Best London dinner spot?
I am a big fan of Little House in Mayfair – it’s cosy and relaxed but still sexy. It’s great for an impromptu weekday dinner. My dad is also just about to open a restaurant called ‘The Great British’ which I can’t wait to have as my second kitchen. It will be serving real English food, no cappuccinos or coca cola. Just great bacon sandwiches and roast beef in the window – yum!
Who are your favourite fashion designers?
Louboutin and Charlotte Olympia for shoes. J Crew for staples, and great cashmere jumpers. I like a mix of elegant and classic shapes and luxury fabrics, but also tough and edgy pieces. I wear a lot of colour and print but I’m not too girly and feminine with what I wear, so no lace and flowers. I also love Lanvin, Gucci, Balmain, Pucci, Preen, Givenchy; there are too many to name.
What beauty products do you swear by?
Sisley’s New Pore Minimiser – it really does just that and gives a refined matte complexion.
Shu Uemura Illuminating Shampoo – it just smells amazing and makes my hair softer than silk.
La Prairie Foam Cleanser – without this I think I would genuinely panic.
Nars Blush in Orgasm – that plus mascara and I’m ready for anything.
Crème de la Mer Reparative Body Lotion – such a good body cream, I have dry skin so this nourishing cream is a must.
What is your top beauty tip for our readers?
As I was taught by my mum, invest in your skin from an early age. Prevention is the best cure. There is wonderful technology out there so always use great creams. It’s silly to wait until you see the wrinkles to do anything about it.
Who would be your guests at a dream dinner party?
Elizabeth Taylor – my jewellery icon
Karl Lagerfeld – he can just do no wrong
Genghis Khan – I’ve read so many books about him – he’s just fascinating
And of course – Jay Z and Kanye West performing.
Tell us about a typical working day in your life.
I drive to our Head Office in Kings Cross, with my darling pooch, who is our team mascot! He does his morning rounds and says hello to all. I spend a lot of time on email at my desk or on the go. Then at Least 3 -4 hours a day, I work with various designers whether it is web, print or packaging based. There are lots of different companies we are involved in so it’s always varied. There is normally some event or festival we are putting on, which requires organisation and planning. Usually I also make a trip to Harrods for meetings either at the beginning or end of the day.
Christmas is approaching, how will you be spending your day?
Not sure yet actually – all I know is I will be cooking and around people I love.
What have Urban Retreat got coming up for the festive season?
Christmas represents so many different things, but that magical feeling of giving is something that resonates with us all and so our campaign is called ‘When you Wish Upon a Star’. From the token gift to the extravagant we have selected the ultimate presents. We have also worked with our experts to create some key party looks to help you prepare for the countless festive invites, including 5 blow-dry looks created by the talented Charlie Le Mindu. We wanted to go that step further and with the help of our own fairy we wanted to sprinkle a little magic and say thank you. This year we will be making one very special wish come true, and so we are inviting our customers to place their beauty wish on one of our specially designed tags and attach them to our ‘Wish Star’ in store. You can also submit your ‘Ultimate Beauty Wish’online at www.urbanretreat.co.uk/beautique. The Urban Retreat Fairy will also be making lots of other wishes come true throughout the Christmas period – so look out for her when you are having a service, it could be a very welcome surprise.