Having travelled all over the world for work and experienced some of the best, most luxurious spas on the planet, Katrina Atkinson channelled the feelings of relaxation and wonder these destinations provide into Top Kat Wellness, an East Yorkshire-based retreat nestled in the comfort of her own garden. Top Kat Wellness uses only the highest quality products across all of the treatments it provides, leading to a boutique experience being afforded to every client. We caught up with Katrina on the back of this win to find out more about her journey and the business. Best Boutique Wellness & Beauty Salon 2025 – East Yorkshire As far back as she can remember, Katrina Atkinson had two career aspirations – to become either a travel rep or a beauty therapist. At 20 years old, she landed a job with Thomas Cook, working all over the world for more than 30 years and winning more awards than any other overseas manager over the course of her career. However, as this award suggests, this isn’t the end of the story. It’s just the beginning. After fulfilling one of her aspirations, Katrina made the bold move to work towards the other – in her 50s. Starting something new at this point in life is never an easy task, and it was an especially big change for Katrina, who had given birth to twin boys only a few years prior. Although some people thought she was in over her head with this venture, Katrina was simply following her heart, and incredibly excited to begin the next chapter in her life. Moving with her sons back to the UK, Katrina began working towards a level 3 qualification in advanced beauty and spa therapy at college, which she went to on pass with distinction. For the first few years of the business, it was not about profit for Katrina. Rather, she focused on mastering her craft, learning and growing by investing in the likes of training, webinars, coaching, and more. Fast forward to today, and what initially started as Katrina offering treatments from her kitchen has blossomed into a garden retreat complete with two purpose-built log cabins. This peaceful sanctuary is often described by her clients as a “hidden gem”, connoting the sense of instant relaxation Katrina strives for. From this relaxing location, Katrina delivers a range of beauty and wellness treatments, including in her speciality areas of facials and foot care. A qualified foot-care practitioner via Footlogix and an expert in tailored, resultsdriven facials, feet and faces are Katrina’s passion. Joining Katrina on a part-time basis is Wendy, an experienced masseuse delivering expert massage therapy. The two make a great team, hosting clients from all over. The reason behind these visits from far and wide is simple – as everything Top Kat Wellness does is about its clients. Be it the personalised treatments, the friendly questions about how things are going, or the followup messages sent the day after a treatment, clients love how this service makes them feel as well as look. Katrina has even been known to drive clients home if the weather is bad, just to make sure they get back safe. Top Kat Wellness’ commitment to a personalised service can be seen through its signature facial treatment, the Evelyne Revitalising Bespoke Facial. Named after a lovely French lady that is a frequent client, this service has quickly become one of the most sought after across the business’ entire portfolio. Like all of its offerings, this treatment is tailored to the unique needs of the client – both aesthetic and otherwise – with Katrina having recently taken steps to make her salon more inclusive on the back of her mother’s worsening dementia. Katrina is currently in the process of launching, focusing, and expanding this dementia care service, helping to raise awareness and ensure that everyone can access the level of treatment, care, and support provided at Top Kat Wellness – regardless of where they go for their beauty and wellness needs. Beyond this, Katrina is also working towards becoming a PHAB Service Star therapist, which is like a Michelin-star chef for the beauty industry. In closing, Katrina told us: “At 63 years of age I truly feel blessed to still be doing what I love – helping people look and feel their best, all from my garden retreat. This is more than just a job. For me, it’s my passion, my purpose, and my happy place.” It is this unbridled enthusiasm that sets Top Kat Wellness apart, and it is our pleasure to recognise this dream-come-true business with a well-deserved award in this programme. Contact: Katrina Atkinson Company: Top Kat Wellness Web Address: https://www.topkatwellness.co.uk/ May25342
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