Young Ashley opens first Lash Lounge

A young Newcastle entrepreneur has opened her first ‘Lash Lounge’ in Byker following her involvement in youth enterprise programme for West End youngsters.

22 year-old Ashley Lawlor joined the Business Sparks scheme in 2012 to develop her mobile beauty therapy business, specialising in semi permanent lashes and celeb beauty treatments.

Ashley moved into her first premises in Benton last year and soon wanted to expand, leading her to find the shop in Byker with car parking and space for extension.

She said: At the time, I had already set up my business as a beauty therapist, however I needed to learn how to take it to the next level. I joined Business Sparks who gave me great advice. There were interactive seminars on tax and vat; they even helped me complete my fist tax return.“

Business Sparks is a youth enterprise run by charity and development trust – reviving the heart of the West End (RHWE). She was one of the first people to be supported by RHWE, which gives young people in Newcastle’s West End the opportunity to develop their entrepreneurial skills as well as provide them with start up funding for their business ideas.

Hannah Morrow, RHWE development officer, said: “Ashley impressed staff at Business Sparks from the start with dedication and motivation for business and has won awards in doing so. Her salon is a great example of how hard work and commitment can pay off.

“We are currently helping a number of young people set up their own business and it’s lovely to see when one becomes a great success.”

Ashley always had a passion for beauty and when starting her first beauty course in 2011 realised this was the career path to follow. She started her training at Gateshead College and put all her money and effort into gaining more qualifications and experience which has enabled her business to grow to what it is today.

As well as having an NVQ Level 3 in beauty and business she has the highest qualification in eyelash extensions and is the only ‘Master Elite Lash Technician’ in the area.

Ashley is the only therapist at the salon as well as a receptionist, a self employed botox nurse and teeth whitening technician and will take on more staff in the coming months to cope with demand. With her new premises and more staff she would like to develop the salon adding 3 more treatment rooms and hopes to double her turnover and client base in 2014.

Ashley added: “I would like to thank all at RHWE for their continuous support over the years. I would advise any young person who is looking to start their own business to take part in the Business Sparks programme.”

A launch party was held at The Lash Lounge on January 11, with many new clients, family and friends. It gave customers the chance to pre book their favourite treatments, watch treatment demonstrations and gain new information about new products as well as receiving a Lash Lounge goody bag.

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