Gillan opens its doors

Located in a secluded corner in Defence, Gillan Spa and Salon is owned by Imran Khawaja who opened the salon because, “It was my passion. I have a business of my own and I took this up solely and completely because of my passion.”

Gillan has the feel of an international spa, its name is coined from a province in Iran, its massage room has been built using wood and products have been imported from all over the globe.

Khawaja said, “I am using all imported products at my salon. The sauna is from Finland, the steam bath has been brought in from the US, my reflexology tools come from Thailand, and the hot-stone massage tools are from England. Additionally I use products from Toni & Guy.”

Khawaja has only hired a small staff of eight workers but he intends to get each of them a foreign qualification and his massage therapist has already received training in Thailand.

Gillan offers a variety of services for both men and women, “This is a unisex salon but we do not provide massage services to the fairer-sex at the moment, however we are offering pedicure, manicure and facial services for women,” said Khawaja.

Imran refuses to compromise on hygiene and ensures that each tool is sterilised before it is used. Additionally he believes that he is providing better quality services than other parlours.

Due to this, Khawaja says he is charging a little more than other salons but firmly believes that the services a customer receives will be well worth the price.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 23^rd, 2010.