Beauty entrepreneur Haneen Odeh knew exactly what she wanted when it came to launching her award-winning Snob Salon in Dubai.
Haneen Odeh
“I wanted Snob Salon to be a haven of beauty and serenity, where every service imaginable is performed exceptionally well, all under one welcoming roof,” she says. Using her insider knowledge of the industry, the Palestinian-Jordanian entrepreneur transformed a Jumeirah villa into a self-care sanctuary. A second location in Arjan condenses its menu to the key in-chair services for hair and nails. “Unlike most salon owners who come from a background of being hairdressers, therapists, or technicians, my perspective as an editor allowed me to approach the business from a unique angle,” says Odeh. “This viewpoint has enabled me to run the salon differently, focusing on innovation, quality, and the latest industry trends, setting us apart from traditional salons and offering our clients a unique and cutting-edge beauty experience.”
Snob Salon Arjan
Working in the beauty industry always held a special allure for Odeh, which she credits to its remarkable ability to transform someone’s mood almost instantly through self-care. “Unlike fashion, which can often feel exclusive, beauty is universal – it is accessible and enjoyable for every gender, color, and age. There’s something truly magical about the way a new fragrance can uplift someone’s spirits, how a fresh lipstick can boost confidence, or the way a new haircut can rejuvenate one’s outlook,” she explains. “The power to make someone feel better, to brighten their day in any way, resonates deeply with me. It’s this capacity to evoke change, to offer a moment of joy or a boost of self-esteem, that drives my passion for beauty. It’s more than just products and services; it’s about the positive impact we can have on people’s lives, and that’s something truly valuable.”
Even with her beauty authority background, Odeh says that launching a business takes determination and grit. “One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned is that there are no shortcuts to success, and to truly thrive, you must be fully present and willing to roll up your sleeves,” she emphasizes. “As an entrepreneur, the weight of responsibility rests solely on your shoulders. The success or failure of your business hinges on the amount of heart and soul you’re willing to invest. It’s a daunting but profoundly rewarding path.”
Read on for the beauty entrepreneur’s business insights and beauty know-how.
Describe the Snob concept?
It was important to me to create a space that feels friendly and hospitable, offering everyone a much-needed retreat from the daily grind. At Snob Salon, we pride ourselves on providing the newest in salon treatments, each carefully selected and curated. My commitment to sustainability is reflected in our recycling practices and eco friendly products, ensuring that our services not only make our clients look good but also feel good about their impact on the planet. I wanted to create something that is more than just a salon; it’s a sanctuary where guests can pause, rejuvenate, and rediscover their best selves amidst their busy lives.
What was the catalyst for deciding to open Snob?
I was utterly fed up with the inconvenience of having to visit different salons for different services—getting my nails done at one place, my hair at another, and seeking out massages & facials at yet another location. It felt like a relentless and time-consuming quest, where I was often treated as just another number, rather than a valued client. This impersonal experience, coupled with my extensive background in the beauty industry, gave me the idea to create a solution. I envisioned a one-stop destination for beauty—a place where clients could enjoy a wide range of services in a single, welcoming location. This vision led to the creation of a salon where convenience meets personalized care, ensuring that no one ever feels like just another number again.
You’re a former beauty editor – what lessons learnt in this role did you apply to making Snob a success?
My career as a beauty editor was a journey of exploration and discovery, allowing me to try and test the best the beauty industry has to offer. This invaluable experience profoundly influenced my choices in selecting the treatments we offer at the salon. It enabled me to curate a selection of top-notch products and embrace the latest trends in nail art, along with the most up-to-date hair colors and cuts.
View this post on Instagram
What does your average day look like?
My day-to-day has shifted significantly, moving away from operational tasks to a greater focus on the creative aspects of the salon. Thanks to a solid management team in place, I’m now able to dedicate a lot of my time to keeping up to date on the latest industry trends, conducting market research on new products, and brainstorming innovative treatments to offer our clients—much like I used to in my magazine days. Despite this shift, I haven’t stepped away from the core of our business operations. I still handle certain HR responsibilities, ensuring that our staff is content and motivated, with continuous training always being a priority to maintain our edge in the industry. Additionally, I oversee the financial aspects of the salon to ensure it runs smoothly and remains profitable. Despite the pivot to more creative pursuits, I cherish working from the salon and meeting our clients in person. It’s more than just appointments and services; it’s about building relationships. Over time, some clients have even become friends, fostering a sense of community within the salon. This blend of creative and operational involvement not only enriches the salon’s culture but also keeps me deeply connected to the heart of our business, ensuring its success from all angles.
What’s been your biggest professional achievement so far?
Some of my most cherished professional achievements include being honored with the Ideal Salon title by Dubai Municipality, a prestigious accolade awarded to only a handful of establishments that meet their stringent conditions. This recognition places us among the elite few to hold such an honor. Furthermore, we’ve been awarded the Beauty Salon of the Year by the Good Salon Guide, underscoring our commitment to excellence in the beauty industry. My dedicated team has also collected a plethora of awards, including best nail art and best manicurist, and we’ve been finalists in several other esteemed categories. Despite these accolades, we all remain unwaveringly committed to our foundational mission: to provide a warm and hospitable experience to every client who walks through our doors. Our collective achievements are a testament not only to our professional expertise but also to our enduring dedication to making each client feel valued and welcomed.
How have you found being an entrepreneur in the UAE? Have you felt supported by the community?
Opening a business in the UAE has been an incredibly rewarding experience, allowing me to thrive in a market that is not only supportive of SMEs but also advanced in its digital infrastructure, making it far easier to run a business than in many other places. The digitization of services and processes here has streamlined operations, from regulatory compliance to customer engagement, enabling a smooth and efficient business model. Additionally, the community’s support has been nothing short of phenomenal. People are eager to spread positive word-of-mouth, offer valuable feedback, and genuinely contribute to the success of local businesses. This environment has not only fostered the growth of my salon but has also allowed me to evolve as an entrepreneur, continually improving and adapting in a market that celebrates innovation and quality. The UAE’s business-friendly ecosystem and the community’s encouragement have been pivotal in my journey, enhancing my ability to provide exceptional services and strengthen my connection with clients and the wider community.
What advice would you give to a younger Haneen?
My advice to my younger self would be not to panic over finding your path immediately. You’ll find it eventually. Every decision you make is a step closer to discovering your true goal, so it’s essential to enjoy the journey and the variety of experiences life offers. We often burden the young with the expectation of uncovering their life’s purpose prematurely, not recognizing that it’s rarely a direct journey. Life’s path is not a straight line, allowing for detours that lead to unexpected and enriching discoveries. Moreover, I’ve come to firmly believe in the power of doing over merely studying. In many fields, practical experience is invaluable, offering lessons and insights that theoretical study alone cannot provide. Embrace every opportunity to learn through action, as these experiences are often the most enlightening and fulfilling steps toward finding your calling. And always do what you love. I know it’s a cliche, but when you do what you love, it doesn’t feel like just a job anymore.
View this post on Instagram
What future goals are you working towards?
My journey in the salon industry has really opened my eyes to how passionate I am about working alongside women, and it’s crystal clear that my path ahead is deeply intertwined with championing women’s empowerment. This goes beyond just offering beauty services—it’s about enabling women to discover career paths that not only fulfill them but also secure their financial independence. There’s something incredibly uplifting about watching women entrepreneurs and business owners flourish. It’s a vibrant, inspiring community I’m proud to be a part of. Moving forward, I’m eager to contribute more—whether it’s through providing additional resources for women in business or expanding our presence to bring the Snob experience to a wider audience. I’d love to create a space where more women can access the support and opportunities they need to succeed, feeling empowered and connected within a broader community. It’s not just about growing a business; it’s about nurturing a network that uplifts and empowers women at every turn.
What are your three beauty must haves?
My beauty routine is all about efficiency and effectiveness, with three must-have products that I simply can’t do without. First on the list is the BB smoothing treatment for hair. It’s a game-changer for me, eliminating frizz without making my hair pin-straight. This means I can wash my hair and be on my way, embracing my natural texture but without the fuss—exactly what I look for in a hair treatment. Next up, the BIAB [Builder in a Bottle] nails are a staple in my beauty regimen. They give me three solid weeks of glossy, non-chip color, which is perfect for my busy schedule. It’s a small luxury that makes a big difference, keeping my nails looking salon-fresh with minimal upkeep. Lastly, the Milkshake range of shampoos and conditioners holds a special place in my heart. There’s a product for every hair concern, and they even come in travel sizes, which are perfect for on-the-go. Currently, I’m using the Icy Blonde range to maintain my hair color and prevent any brassiness, plus it smells absolutely divine. These products not only make my life easier, but also ensure I look and feel my best with minimal effort.
An edited and condensed version of this interview was first published in Vogue Arabia’s May 2024 issue.
