People
Meet the Dockers: Anastasia Korabukhina
Nestled in the heart of the Royal Victoria Docks, VA Salon has become a trusted haven for clients seeking beauty and wellness treatments in a calm and friendly setting. At the heart of the business is Anastasia Korabukhina, Founder and Managing Director of VA Salon London, who left her legal career to pursue her vision of self-care, aesthetics, and entrepreneurship.
In this edition of Meet the Dockers, we hear about Anastasia’s inspiring journey, the ethos behind her salon, and what makes it such a well-loved part of the local community.
What inspired you to open your own salon?
A friend’s suggestion to open a hair and beauty salon planted the seed for this journey. Although she later decided not to continue, I took on the challenge myself. I’ve always believed in the importance of self-care, beauty, and aesthetics. This combined with my desire to create a space where people could feel cared for and beautiful, drove me to take the leap. It was a personal transformation for me as well, as I left my original profession as a lawyer to fully embrace the beauty industry.
What services do you offer?
We offer a range of unisex treatments including facial therapies, haircuts, hair tinting, waxing and laser hair removal, eyebrow and eyelash treatments and massages. Our Russian manicure and pedicure are a signature favourite, praised for its precision and immaculate finish. Our balayage and highlights are also very popular for their natural, sun-kissed results. Sunbed services and painless waxing are client favourites too.
What also sets us apart is our client-specialist matching system. This ensures every treatment is delivered by the best-suited member of the team, making every visit personal and therapeutic.
How do you stay current with trends?
We make ongoing education a priority for our team. From attending training sessions to researching global trends and updating our techniques, we’re always looking for ways to improve and offer the most up-to-date services using high-quality products.
How would you describe the ethos of VA Salon?
Our salon is defined by its personal touch. We go the extra mile to ensure every client feels valued and cared for. The environment is clean, friendly, and welcoming, a true comfort zone. We prioritise professionalism, attention to detail, and high standards, which reflect my own values.
It’s not just a salon, it’s a therapeutic space where clients can unwind, de-stress, and reconnect with themselves.
Anastasia Korabukhina, Founder and Managing Director of VA Salon London.
What do you enjoy about working in the beauty industry?
What I love most is witnessing the personal transformation of our clients, not just in how they look, but in how they feel. It’s incredibly rewarding to see someone walk in stressed or unsure and leave feeling confident, calm, and uplifted.
What are your hopes for the future of your business?
We’re always looking to expand our services and form meaningful collaborations. My hope is to continue growing sustainably while staying true to the values that brought me here, quality, personalisation, professionalism, and care. I want to support my team, delight our clients, and ensure the salon remains a safe and welcoming space for everyone who walks through the door.
Why did you choose to open your salon in the Royal Docks?
I saw a gap in the market for a high-quality hair and beauty salon in the area. Royal Victoria Dock also offers a serene environment. The salon has large windows overlooking the water, creating a spa-like atmosphere. This setting provides a calm feeling for clients, helping them relax and release stress. The area’s energy and potential for community-building also played a significant role in my decision.
I love the sense of community here. We’ve built lasting relationships with clients and fellow business owners, and it’s a joy to be part of such a supportive, positive network. The Royal Docks isn’t just where we’re located, it’s part of our identity.
Finally, for someone who’s never visited your salon before, what would you say to encourage them to come by?
I’d say we’re more than just a hair and beauty salon. We’re a space where you can feel at ease, where you’ll be welcomed with warmth and professionalism. Whether you’re looking for expert advice, a relaxing moment, or a transformation, we’re here for you. With our calming atmosphere and personalised care every visit is designed to help you feel your absolute best.
Book Your Visit to VA Salon
Address: VA Salon, 5 Excel Marina, Royal Victoria Dock, London, E16 1AT
Book Online: www.va-salon.com or via the VA Salon booking link
Call: 020 7476 3272 or 07413 241 860
Follow: @vasalonlondon on Instagram and Facebook
App: Download on iOS and Google Play for easy booking and updates
