|
Sisterd Karen Maloney and Tricia Ackers combined their
skills in
accountancy and beauty therapy to set up in business
together.
Now, just seven years later, the pair have two beauty
salons called
Renaissance, employ 15 people and have picked up a clutch
of awards.
Earlier
this year Tricia was short-listed in the Chamber’s
Entrepreneur of the Year Award, while salon receptionist
Emma Carter was a finalist in the ‘Most Helpful
Receptionist’ category. Tricia has also been named
‘Best Beauty Therapist in the UK’
by Professional Beauty magazine.
The
sisters went into business in 1999 when Tricia took
over an established beauty salon in Prescot that she
had previously managed.
“The
owner of the salon had retired and it seemed like a
natural progression for Tricia to take it over as she
had managed it and is a qualified beauty therapist,”
explained Karen. “I had a background in accountancy
and had been working as a personnel manager when I had
a baby and was looking to work part-time.
“We
decided to go into business together as we get on well
and could bring our different strengths to the business.”
Karen
has since had a second child and works flexibly, complementing
her sister’s hands-on role. The Prescot salon
is staffed mainly by part-time employees and the sisters
try to be as flexible as possible.
Specialising
in facials, manicures, pedicures and anti-ageing facial
treatments, the sisters launched their second business
in College Street, St Helens, two years ago after identifying
a gap in the market for a salon offering more professional
treatments.
“The
business has exceeded all expectations and we are now
concentrating on building up our St Helens salon,”
added Karen. “Tricia is undergoing lots of training
to enable her to train staff ourselves and she has recently
achieved her NVQ Assessor
qualification.”
Renaissance
has also been recognised as a provider of Dermalogica
skin care range, being awarded ‘Premier Platinum
Dermalogica Salon in the North West’ while the
skills of therapist Leanne Johnson have also been officially
recognised. Karen and Tricia have benefited from ongoing
support from the Chamber since setting up in business.
“The
help and support we have received from the Chamber has
been invaluable and the networking opportunities have
been terrific,” added Karen.
Read success stories about
Moore and
Buckle
AC Robinson
& Associates
|
