The Loft: BROW SKIN LASH

I've learned a great deal from my 6 years in the beauty industry, working for Estee Lauder. One of the most poignant things I've learned is a recent trend - a new way that we, the ever savvy consumer, choose our services. As of late, specialized services have made their presence known. Uber. Blow Dry Bars. You catch the drift. We are enticed by someone who knows their trade and knows it very well. In an inviting and welcoming environment. Enter The Loft. A private boutique style treatment space in Hampden who does just this. Read on for my experience one afternoon with Natalie Sams and co. filled with small, personalized touches and large results.

The Space

I took this picture with my iPhone 5S. Edited with Camera+

I first met Natalie through very typical Smalltimore happenstance. Always so warm and inviting, she was so easy to be around. Over the course of building her career, she's spent time at About Faces, managing a salon and spa team in Towson and keeping busy with off-site wedding work with gorgeous makeup and lash artistry. In her most recent position, she went back to the craft of skincare and worked at the Four Seasons in downtown Baltimore. Natalie is a beautiful talent with a passion for her work and a joy to be around.

Natalie has decided to create her own space and haven for her clients to find their way to her. She has chosen a space in Hampden that has her touches all over it. She wanted to The Loft to feel like your space as much as hers. And I think the pictures prove that for themselves.

Nutritious Sustenance

I took this photo with my iPhone 5s. Edited with Camera+

Served on her grandmother's china, a curated power granola treat with a side of fresh brewed Earl Grey. Natalie also offers fresh juices for the ultimate detoxifying experience.

The Changing Room

I took this picture with my iPhone 5S. Edited with Camera+

Where you can sneak your first peak at your brightened complexion.

Treatment Area

I took this photo with my iPhone 5S. Edited with Camera+.

Le sigh. The nirvana of relaxation. I received a brightening facial from Natalie. It included exfoliation and extractions. She used Kerstin Florian products, a skincare line offering luxurious results-oriented facials to address all skin types. www.nataliesamsmua.com for more information. Natalie is very upfront with simply educating what the products will be achieving for you during your service.

I took this photo with my iPhone 5S. Edited with Camera+.

Creating a musical mood :: always a hip Pandora station during your service. I'm now a fan of the Bonobo station. Who knew? So zen. Bonobo : "With the experimental warmth of '60s French films and the pizzicato flavor of horizontal hip-hop, Simon Green's Bonobo project established the welcome niche of a pretension-free, post-party intellectual chillout." - Pandora. And Here's To You, by the way. (Book pictured.)

Brazilian Brows with Tatiara Borges

Maria Linz Photography

Also at The Loft: Tatiara Borges. Tatiara has been a brow artist in her hometown of Brazilia, Brazil for the crux of her career. I had the brow service and my brows are #ONFLEEK. If needed, Tataira also offers henna services to fill in any sparse areas that remain on the skin longer than eyeshadow or another type of brow filler. (Natalie and Tatiara)

A chalkboard in neighboring loft space with Natasha Ivankchova, where she hosts a lipstick bar, performs custom makeup services and holds makeup classes. Natalie and Natasha (Nat squared) partner often.

Makeup Space (also at The Mill Centre)

Natalie and Natasha (also previously of About Faces) collaborate often together. Another shot of Natasha's loft space.

The Mill Centre

Via millcentre.com

Where to find this haven? I traveled up I-83 to Hampden and found my way to The Loft. Located at The Mill Centre, it's tucked away in a little enclave of goodness, nestled between Hampden and Clipper Mill. Their website at the Centre even denotes, "The Mill Centre is a creative community with over 70 artists, graphic designers, photographers, and architects, as well as technology and other businesses." I can't think of a better place for this beauty sanctuary. Cheers to you, Natalie! I can't wait to visit again.