Arc Motif embodies an unlikely pairing between beauty salon and art gallery to create an immersive and visually captivating space worth lingering in a little while longer.
What does the name ‘Arc Motif’ mean?
Owner/Director at Arc Motif, Kiara Doherty:
“I wanted something symbolic, but not too literal. It wasn’t until I sat with the word ‘Arc’ – which symbolises the arch of a brow without sounding too obvious, and ‘Motif’ – which in art terms means ‘a recurring pattern or symbol’, that it all clicked. Arc Motif to me is brows reoccurring which is my specialty, but it’s also so much more than that. The name also plays off the art that we display and our gallery system that rotates every season. I just knew in my heart that that is what my business would be named.”
Why combine beauty and art for Arc Motif?
“Aside from specialising in brows in some of Australia’s most high-end salons and spas, I had developed a strong interest in art, design, and wellness; I wanted to create a space that brings all these things to life. I discovered that the high volume of beauty industry clientele would serve as perfect exposure for emerging or established artists to showcase their work.”
What process do you undertake when electing which artists to showcase?
“Unlike traditional art galleries that have large blank spaces, the art we select to display has to complement the rest of the furnishings and finishes in our space. This is easier when we have a solo exhibition as the body of work is cohesive. Group exhibitions take a little more time to curate something seamless to the eye and feel of the space.”
Who did you opt to work with to design your Brisbane space?
“My vision for Arc Motif was clear. While working full time, my partner (an electrician) and I were doing the fit-out entirely ourselves with the help of friends on evenings and weekends. So when it came to design decisions, I needed things to be streamlined and easy. I reached out to Folk Studios (I’ve admired their work for years) and they completely understood my vision and brought their unique flare to the table. It was an absolute pleasure to work with them.”
ARC MOTIF TREATS WITH AND RETAILS:
Foile Skincare
Mother SPF
Orris
LAND Essentials
Fluffi Beauty
Beauty INK.
Talk us through the key design elements you’ve opted to incorporate into the space.
“When designing the space, I wanted Arc Motif to feel like home; nothing clinical or sterile. I wasn’t even keen on the idea of a traditional reception desk. Mariah (from Folk) and I worked on finding pieces that seemed to tell their own stories – and would complement our interchangeable art – almost paying homage to the pieces of art they are. We mixed vintage furniture and earthy hues to create a space that feels warm and textured with an abundance of light, and various shapes and forms throughout.”
What beauty services do you offer?
“We specialise in everything brow-related, including cosmetic tattooing, laminations, threading, waxing, and tinting, as well as lash lifts and dermaplaning. We usually offer nails, although we’re currently on the search for our next talented nail tech! When we have an event for our art rotations, we bring in pop-up guests who are anything from tattoo artists to piercers to jewelers. I love supporting talented artists – whatever their craft may be – and find ways to bring our communities together. It’s also fun for our clients to experience new services in the space.”
On what basis do you choose which brands to partner with?
“We are conscious and eco-considerate, even with our disposables and equipment. We stock brands that align with our values while still giving an aesthetic and boutique feel, backed by results.”
Three things that inspire you in your work are…
“Narrowing it down to three is so hard for me. The main inspirations in my work come from art, fashion, design, and wellness, but also our ever-evolving beauty industry as well as our clients whom we form such real connections with – they inspire me wholeheartedly.”
“I love supporting talented artists – whatever their craft may be – and find ways to bring our communities together. It’s also fun for our clients to experience new services in the space.”
Photography: Supplied
This article originally appeared in the Spring 2024 print issue of Professional Beauty magazine. Read it here.
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