Beauty entrepreneur celebrates successful first year of being self-employed

A year ago, local resident Gaynor Gray decided she needed a change in her life and wanted to start her own business.

She has now celebrated the first birthday of her successful beauty salon Dolce Bella Beauty, based on Arkwright Street, and reflects on the steps she took to becoming self-employed.

Gaynor said: "I had a vision of opening my own beauty salon, but I had no idea where to start. I was offered the opportunity to go to a New Enterprise Allowance meeting by a work coach, and it was the best thing I've ever done.

"Thanks to the New Enterprise Allowance, not only did I get financial support, but I also had the fantastic support of my Enterprise Adviser, Carol. She helped with all aspects of the business that I hadn't even considered.

Dolce Bella Beauty was forced to close its doors during lockdown, but Gaynor didn't let the global pandemic stop her from growing her business.

Gaynor continued: "I'd only been open for six months when lockdown hit, but I used that time to expand my skills and add extra treatments to the salon such as dermaplaning, henna brows and facials.

"Business has been booming since reopening. It feels great to be financially independent with a successful business behind me, and I couldn't have done this if I hadn't received support from the New Enterprise Allowance. What a difference a year makes!"

Councillor Malcolm Brain, said: "The NEA is a fantastic programme to help people start their own businesses and be able to make the shift from being dependent on certain benefits. It's excellent to see local businesses such as Dolce Bella Beauty, thriving as a result of the support they have received."

NEA could give you money and support to help you start your own business. To be eligible you need to have a business idea, and be receiving certain beneits such as Universal Credit or income support.

Email Carol Merchant for more information.