Last updated at 15:14, Friday, 27 June 2008

GILLIAN Mirehouse always had a keen interest in beauty. Her natural creative ability allowed her to dabble in bridal make-up and manicures. But as an animal nurse and receptionist for a Cockermouth veterinary practice, her interests remained very much second to her full-time job.

SURE FILE SUCCESS: Gillian Mirehouse, who has started a nail bar in Workington

Then one day a relative told Gillian of an opportunity in a Workington salon which caught her attention.

“I had been doing mobile work as a nail technician, part-time, for quite a while,” explained Gillian. “I loved doing it and it had been a real interest of mine for a long time but I it was hard work on top of my full-time job at the vets. So when I found out I could have a base somewhere, I couldn’t believe the timing.

“It really captured my imagination and I began weighing up my options and finances to see if it was a viable career move.

“I had always wanted to go into the beauty industry full-time but it was just making that leap of faith and actually going for it.

“I soon realised it was too good an opportunity to miss and, after making further enquiries I realised I could become self-employed and expand when I felt comfortable to do so, offering the services I wanted to.”

From seeing the advert to accepting the offer of owning her own nail bar, it took Gillian only one month.

“It had to be the quickest month I’ve ever experienced; from the moment I handed my noice in I had to find equipment and a table to work from,” she continued.

“Luckily I already had some stock but I had to organise my own advertising and insurance.”

Gillian sought advice and guidence with the project, Ways into Self Employment at the Ewanrigg and Netherton Community Centre, and was able to put a business plan together.

The WISE Award, a pot of funding made available from Ways into Self Employment, means Gillian will be able to put money towards more equipment and products, including a mobile spray tan booth.

Gillian said: “As for my training I had just recently completed refresher courses so everything seemed ready for me to start up in business.

“It was a one-week intensive manicure refresher course at Manchester.

“We covered every aspect of manicuring and the nail. We went through understanding the biology of the hand, nail and arm and were taught how to check for cuts on the hand and specific nail problems.

“From then we were shown how to execute the perfect hand massage and manicure techniques – everything from preparing the nail, filing and applying acrylic and gel nails to in-filling and removing them.

“At the end of the week we had to take a written exam and answer questions from tutors.

“As a result of that there was a lot of revision involved so I found myself sitting in my hotel room every night revising like mad in preparation for the exam.”

Following the intensive training course, Gillian was awarded a certificiate from the Guild of Nail Technicians as a recognised qualification.

“It was a very thorough course and meant I could start working almost immediately,” she said.

“Since I set up Polished and Pampered I’ve had a steady flow of customers and I find my services works hand-in-hand with each other.

“Customers can have their nails done while they’re waiting for their tan to rest.

“At the moment my main service is manicures but I will be soon incorporating tooth gems and a more extended mobile service for those who find it hard to get out.

“I’m also looking into a bridal service where I will offer a make-up and nail package which I’ve already had a few enquiries for.

“There are so many things I want to develop with the business and I’ve waited seven years to get to this stage.

“But for anyone who is considering going into business themselves I would advise them to take the time and think things through very carefully.

“I made sure I got lots of sound advice, from financial issues to self-employment issues.

“Be prepared for a drop in wages for a short time, but being your own boss and doing something you’ve always dreamed of is well worth the risk.

“If you have the passion for it you’ll be very successful.”

For more information on Polished and Pampered contact Gillian on: 07912207938

First published at 15:59, Wednesday, 25 June 2008
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk