Hilltop began as a dream, formed around Kathleen Basye’s kitchen table. A busy working mum, she managed her husband’s business there while training to become a beauty therapist.
In 1980, she qualified and found premises – a former children’s clothes shop – in green and leafy Highgate. With help from her family, she converted the shop into a much loved local salon.
Nestled for forty years in the heart of Highgate village, Hilltop has grown and flourished. Now owned and managed by Kathleen’s daughter Amanda, we offer advanced skin care and beauty treatments in our extended premises and new luxurious treatment rooms.
Following family tradition, Amanda’s daughters Vanessa and Hannah have also joined the team.
Together, these three generations have created a lasting yet ever evolving business that has become a vital part of the Highgate community.
Amanda is the business owner and senior therapist with over 30 years of experience in the beauty industry. She has been part of Hilltop’s story from very early on starting as a Saturday receptionist at the age of 14. As a fully qualified and experienced therapist her speciality is in treating skin. Her passion is finding results driven treatments, from long term non-invastive, anti-ageing solutions to problematic skin, Amanda will have the answer. She is also a certified Spiritual Counsellor and is furthering her studies in Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology at the College of Naturopathic Medicine. She is the mother of two daughters, both of whom are part of the business.
To say that Hilltop runs in Vanessa’s blood is an understatement. She would spend long days in the salon as a child during school holidays whilst her mother, Amanda and grandmother, Kathy were treating clients. She would be introduced to the ladies of Highgate by her proud grandmother and so became a big part of the fabric of this all female family business. Like her mother, Vanessa’s skills were called upon at the age of 14 and she too became Hilltop’s Saturday receptionist. Vanessa has qualifications in personal training and beauty therapy however, her passion lies in styling and design. Vanessa’s vision has been instrumental in creating our brand and visual identity. She is now our salon manager, runs front of house and is responsible for our social media content. Vanessa is a mother to two daughters, who could, one day be brought in to cover Saturday reception to follow in the family tradition!
Olivia is an experienced therapist, having worked in the industry for 18 years. She specialises in advanced facials and all types of waxing. Olivia is becoming well known for her no-nonsense, quick and painless intimate wax!