Member Article

Recruitment consultant turns beauty entrepreneur after SSI closure

A former recruitment consultant has launched her own beauty company after being directly affected by the closure of Teesside’s SSI plant last month.

1,700 jobs were lost after the government announced the closure of the SSI steel plant in Redcar - Simi Sanghera’s was not included in that number.

Simi, who studied law at university and previously worked for Jo Hand recruitment - the plant’s main recruitment company, found herself without a job and with bills to pay following the huge hit to Teesside’s economy.

With several years experience in the beauty industry, including time as MAC in Manchester and freelancing as a make up artist, Simi decided to take this opportunity to start up on her own, launching Bellissimi Beauty in Yarm.

The self-funded venture will have a permanent base on Yarm High Street, as of the 21st November, from which Simi will run a make up consultancy service in partnership with skincare brand, Arbonne.

Speaking to Bdaily, Simi said: “I’ve worked as a mobile makeup artist for a while and, after the closure of the SSI plant in Redcar, I was forced to leave my permanent role as a recruitment consultant.

“Instead of competing in the region’s highly-competitive job market, I decided to turn my passion into a reality and officially launch Bellissimi Beauty as a full time venture.”

Simi hasn’t sat still since the plant’s closure. Having maintained a key role in the BNI’s networking community, she has been awarded the Notable Networker Award as she continues to drive forward her new business.

She continued: “Yarm High Street is a popular place for hair and beauty salons but Bellissimi is very different. I will be working with Arbonne skin care to tailor treatments to an individual’s skin type.

“I am hoping to educate women about how to look after their skin, while spoiling them with a wide range of luxury products.”

Bellissimi Beauty will also host pamper nights for groups and Simi will continue to run her mobile service for weddings and other large events.

“Teesside has been hit hard by the SSI steel plant closure and I want to show people that it’s not all doom and gloom.

“I am taking this opportunity to pursue my passion, all while putting a smile on the faces of the women in the region with my unique concept.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellen Forster .