Online entrepreneur launches HK's first 'Beauty Week'

"I am your spa girl," says Jennifer Barba. "Any time I go anywhere, the first thing I do is book a massage. Even at the airport."

So dedicated is she to her beauty regimen that she launched an online business, Prettybooked.com, designed to provide a comprehensive directory of Hong Kong's salons, from the largest chain to the smallest independent brand.

Before she launched it, she had been collecting a database of the places she would visit, listing their price points and services. "Mostly, I used it for friends and family who would ask me when they came over, 'Hey, Jennifer, I want a foot massage and I'm in Causeway Bay, where is the place to go?"

She decided to formalise it, building her site before setting out to enlist salons.

Fast-forward 18 months and Barba is set to host the city's first Beauty Week to publicise the range of treatments and salons available in the city. Running from August 4-10 the Beauty Week is geared to both the public and professionals.

"It's a celebration of the industry," says Barba. "Lots of participating salons will have something special on offer, and we're running events to educate people. The make-up and hair styling event idea came from YouTube make-up videos. Before I go out, I'll watch one on how to do a smoky eye, even though my husband always laughs at me."

For the masterclass on August 8, make-up artist Megumi Sekine, a contributor to Vogue and Elle, will be giving advice on the latest beauty trends, while hair stylist Stella Look will demonstrate how to get the salon style at home.