Gateshead small business adapting to coronavirus challenges

Aimi Henderson owns eyelash extension business, Dash of Lash, based on Saltwell Road in Gateshead.

Since the lockdown following the Covid-19 pandemic, Aimi has adapted her business and is now providing her clients with strip lashes and care packages available to purchase online.

Aimi said: "When lockdown was announced, I knew that I had to close the shop in order to keep my clients and myself safe but I also understood just how important it was for my clients to be able to look after themselves and continue to feel their best, especially through such a difficult time. This led me to the idea of creating pamper packages and strip lashes that can be bought online.

"I only launched my business at the start of March 2020 so I wasn't eligible for any government support, but through Gateshead Council I have received one-to-one business support which has been crucial for me to be able to keep my business going through recent times.

"I've also been using my time during lockdown to continue to develop my own skills through online courses in beauty treatments such as brow lamination. Most importantly I've completed the Behind the Mask course, which is training dedicated to hair and beauty professionals to enable us to support and provide advice to clients who may be affected by domestic abuse."

Before the lockdown Aimi also attended the Business Gateshead two-day start-up boot camp in March and received one-to-one business support, which included help finding critical funding. This start-up support is funded with support from the England European Regional Development Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.

Councillor Catherine Donovan, Deputy Leader of Gateshead Council said: "In the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, Gateshead people are showing great resilience, determination and innovation. I'm also so pleased to hear that Aimi has completed her Behind the Mask course to help support vunerable members of our community. A business doing good.  

"We are doing everything we can to support businesses. If you believe you would benefit from one-to-one advice or have a question about diversifying during the coronavirus outbreak, funding or would just like to speak to someone about your options, the council's Business Gateshead Team are here and on hand to help."