In this inspiring feature, we sit down with Vanessa Yasmin Luna Nehma Kenger — the founder of one of Dubai’s most trusted beauty salons, a space where women come not only for transformation but for total rejuvenation.
From cutting-edge hair treatments and vibrant nail art to Moroccan baths, facials, waxing, and massages tailored specifically for pregnant women, her salon is a haven of modern femininity and holistic care.
A glowing mother of five, Vanessa is the embodiment of timeless beauty, balance, and grace. How does she do it all? In this intimate conversation, she shares her favorite treatments, the wellness rituals that keep her radiant, and how she empowers women every day — through beauty.
You’re a mother of five and the founder of a successful beauty salon in Dubai — how did your journey in the beauty industry begin?
My journey began with a deep love for beauty and a desire to create a safe, uplifting space for women — a place where they could feel seen, pampered, and empowered. When I moved to Dubai 15 years ago, I was inspired by the city’s vibrant energy and diversity. While raising my children, I nurtured a dream: to build a salon that reflected my values — beauty, wellness, spirituality, and inner strength. Yasmin Beauty Lounge was born from that vision, and today, it’s more than a salon — it’s a sanctuary.
What inspired you to open a space that offers such a wide range of services — from nails and hair to Moroccan baths and prenatal massages?
I believe true beauty is holistic — it touches the body, mind, and soul. Women carry so much on their shoulders, and I wanted to create a one-stop destination where they could release, reset, and feel whole again. From the hair on their head to the energy in their spirit, every service we offer is designed to honor the feminine. I didn’t want to create just a beauty salon — I wanted to build a healing experience.
Your salon is known for its care for pregnant women. What made you want to create a space that supports women during such a special time?
As a mother of five, I know how essential it is to feel supported, seen, and nurtured during pregnancy. It’s a sacred season — full of changes, emotions, and transformation. Many women tend to forget themselves while caring for their unborn babies. That’s why I created treatments specifically for them: massages that soothe, rituals that restore, and an environment that uplifts. Every pregnant client who walks through our doors is treated like a queen — because that’s exactly what she is.
You always look glowing and full of energy — what are your personal favorite beauty procedures at the salon?
Thank you! I love our Moroccan bath rituals — they feel like a spiritual cleanse. I also swear by our scalp therapy and hydrating facials, especially those that use natural oils and involve lymphatic drainage. And I never skip my lash lift and glossy nails — they give me that confident glow, even on the busiest days.
What’s your secret to looking so youthful and fresh while raising five children and running a full-time business?
Balance is everything. I’ve learned that if I don’t protect my energy, I can’t give my best to others. I surround myself with positive people, protect my peace, eat with intention, and move my body regularly. Most importantly, I stay connected to my purpose. When you live with passion and authenticity, it shows — that’s the real beauty secret.
What’s your personal self-care routine — any morning or evening rituals you never skip?
Mornings are sacred to me. I begin each day with my Japanese skincare ritual, which I’ve followed for years and truly believe in. I cleanse, apply a soft toner, then my serum, nourishing cream, and — of course — sun protection. I also use a hydrating lip balm to keep my lips soft and natural.
Evenings are for slowing down. I repeat my skincare routine with extra care and mindfulness. Since I shaved my head and chose to grow my hair back naturally, I’m fully committed to nurturing my scalp with hair-growth serums and renewal rituals. This journey of regrowth is symbolic — it represents starting fresh and honoring my authentic self. I also love dry brushing, applying natural oils, and sometimes using a silk hair mask overnight. No matter how busy life gets, I always take a moment to thank God and breathe deeply. Gratitude is the most powerful beauty ritual I know.
What makes your salon unique in Dubai’s competitive beauty scene?
We combine professional excellence with soulful care. At Yasmin Beauty Lounge, it’s not just about trends or treatments — it’s about how a woman feels when she walks out the door. Our team is trained not only in technique but in emotional intelligence. The atmosphere is glamorous, warm, and spiritually uplifting. We hold space for true transformation — inside and out.
What is one beauty treatment you believe every woman should try at least once — and why?
Every woman should experience a traditional Moroccan bath at least once. It’s more than a cleanse — it’s a ritual of renewal. You leave feeling lighter, softer, glowing, and deeply reconnected to your essence. It’s ancestral, powerful, and profoundly feminine.
Do your personal experiences as a woman and mother influence the way you train your staff or care for your clients?
Absolutely. I lead with empathy and intuition. I’ve experienced the sleepless nights, the insecurities, the juggling of roles — and I know what it’s like to feel exhausted yet still want to look and feel beautiful. That’s why I train my team to serve with heart. We don’t just do hair or nails — we listen, uplift, and support. That, to me, is what real beauty service means.
What advice would you give to women who dream of starting their own beauty or wellness business in the UAE?
Start with your “why.” Build your business from the soul — not just from trends. Be consistent, stay humble, and always keep learning. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, and protect your energy like it’s sacred. Dubai is a land of opportunity, but your authenticity is what will truly make you shine.