MEET THE CHAPS AND CHAPETTES

KARIS - Founder of Chaps and Co-owner

You will find Karis front of house on reception doing all the schmoozing. The Chaps Experience is her thing! Always passionate about keeping the standards high, she prides herself and her amazing team on the VIP service they offer.

Everyone has a vital part to play.  Karis’ is to keep the wheels turning and make sure everything runs smoothly. From reception to rotas, payroll and training, all things HR and marketing, there’s always something to be done!

Since opening the doors in 2014 there have many changes, including 2 children thrown into the mix that definitely weren’t in the original business plan! 2024 marks the 10th year of business for Chaps and the 4th year of Chapettes the ladies beauty salon that Karis and Charlee decided to launch after seeing a gap in the market. Coming from a beauty background, this has been a real treat for her, as Chaps is predominantly about hair which she ironically knew nothing about until taking up some barber training in London last year!

Favourite thing about our business: “The vibe we have created and the customers it attracts. We genuinely love the Chaps family - the regulars we see week in week out, month after month. You become invested in them, as they do us, and we all have a right laugh! This has been an amazing journey so far and I couldn’t be prouder of what myself and our amazing team have achieved.”

A few facts about Karis; if you didn’t know already she loves food! Cooking and eating it! Hotter the better, she is a massive fan of chilli’s.

She loves fine dining, travel, reading, Tequila and spending quality time out in nature with her family.

If she was an animal she would be a lion. (Of course)

CHARLEE - Co-owner, and All Rounder

Since Chaps opened in 2014, Charlee’s skills have grown from beauty treatments; such as massage and waxing, to beards and shaves on the shop floor. She is our all rounder, always wanting to learn more and expand her knowledge, she has worn every hat in the business, starting from therapist to manager to co owner!

She now specialises in Aesthetics, Million Dollar Facial and all things skincare for face and body in the sister salon Chapettes! Together, her and Karis, created and designed the ladies beauty salon in 2020; expanding the business further.

She’s passionate about what she does and has over 15 years experience in the beauty industry. She brings nothing but good vibes to the team and loves creating the ‘Chaps Experience’ for clients.

From the warm welcome when they walk in, the laid back bubbly atmosphere when they are here, to them walking out feeling like a King/Queen. You always know when she is working as you will hear her infectious laugh ripple through the salon!

Favourite thing about our business: working along side the amazing Team Chaps, they are all amazing at what they do and we genuinely all get on so well and have a proper laugh while still being professionals in our field.

If she was a fruit she’d be a… pineapple; she’s a bit prickly on the outside, sweet on the inside and always has cool hair!

Favourite food: Mexican: chilli, fajitas nachos, mmm..

@chapettes.charlee

MARTYN - Barber and Beard Master

Proclaimed by many as the beard master, he has a loyal bearded customer base who swear by his expertise! Of course this is not forgetting about his top of head cutting skills, he loves a good faded pompadour and is humbly always learning eagerly about new styles, long and short.

Interesting fact about Martyn… he used to drive an ambulance in his previous job before his Auntie Karis persuaded him to become an apprentice at Chaps and take up a career in barbering!

Martyn is fanatical about his music. He has an extensive knowledge of 90s/00s Hip Hop, as well as following the UK scenes of Garage, Grime and Drum and Bass.

He also loves his food and ale; with his dream being to travel the world, sampling every country's national dishes along the way, obviously with the right drop of booze!

His dry sense of humour is summed up in this quote... "always give 100%, unless you're giving blood"

@sidepartmart

ALFY - Barber

Alfy has been in the hair industry for 9 years now. The creativity behind cutting hair has been the foundation of his career to now owning a music venue/bar, where lays his other passion for live music as well as dance music. He’s always found himself to dive in at the deep end and be very hands on with everything thrown his way to achieve a high standard. He enjoys cutting any style from long textured cuts to refined short styles 

Outside of work you’ll either find him on the dance floor making sure the events they put on are running as smooth as possible or running around a city with his camera trying get the perfect shot!

Darcey - Beauty Therapist

Darcey is one of Paradiso’s rising beauty therapists, known for her warm personality, calming presence and truly exceptional hands. Specialising in Swedish massage, luxury facials, waxing and male grooming essentials, she combines technical precision with a friendly, down-to-earth energy that instantly puts clients at ease.

Having achieved distinction in every assessment so far, Darcey’s dedication to her craft speaks for itself. Clients consistently describe her as professional, relatable and “the best massage I’ve ever had.” With a natural ability to make even the most nervous clients feel comfortable, she brings both maturity and bubbly charm into every treatment room.

Currently expanding her skills as an all-round beauty therapist and learning mire and more, under Charlee’s mentorship, Darcey is already a client favourite, and definitely one to watch.

@darcey_paradiso

ELLIE - Barberette/Hairstylist, Colour and Perm Specialist

Meet Ellie, the talented barber and hair stylist who brings a mix of creativity and conversation to every haircut. A social butterfly at heart, she loves nothing more than a good chat while she works her magic on your hair. When she's not behind the chair, you can find Ellie jetting off on holiday, exploring new places, or enjoying a weekend getaway.

Specializing in perms, colouring and creative cutting, Ellie is a master at tailoring haircuts to suit your individual style and lifestyle. And if you've got a secret love for mullets, she's got you covered - it's her guilty pleasure. Keep your eyes peeled for her new venture, Ellie Frosts Hair Systems, that is going to propel Chaps to the next level.

Here's a fun fact about Ellie: she thought her middle name was cake until she was around 9 years old. So, if you're looking for a talented stylist who can bring a mix of creativity, conversation, and a touch of humor to your next haircut, book an appointment with Ellie and get ready to leave the chair feeling refreshed and fabulous.

@barberellies

ANDREA - Barberette

Andrea is the latest addition to Team Chaps, bringing her unique sparkle and energy to the team. Known for her vibrant personality, the mad-hatter, she's always up for a great chat and some laughter, making her clients feel at ease. Andrea is highly skilled, dedicated to her craft, and consistently delivers top-notch cuts and beard trims, which she loves.

Beyond her passion for barbering, Andrea enjoys traveling and dreams of living abroad someday. Ibiza is one of her FAVOURITE destinations, where she indulges in her love for music and DJing, especially house, disco, and techno. Naturally, she knows how to bring the party vibe wherever she goes!

Her favorite quotes? “There's not enough time in the day to have enough laughter!” and “It is what it is.”

@andreachapsbarbers