A WOMAN from Workington has gone from strength to strength after opening her own business at 18 years old.

Adele Tinkler,19, who owns The Lash Lounge by Adele, a beauty treatment business in the town, has built up a strong clientele.

Adele says that making women feel their best is what inspires her to strive further in her business and makes her the most proud.

She said: "The best thing about my business is that I get to meet the most amazing women every single day and make them feel fabulous.

“It’s the best feeling seeing a client happy and confident with the way you have made them look."

When coronavirus hit and the country went into a national lockdown, Adele faced the prospect like many in the personal services industry of making no money from her business. But the former St Joseph’s School pupil used the time to make gains in her career.

She said: “Business came to a standstill for me during the pandemic as I wasn’t able actually go to work during the national lockdowns which was really hard for every hair or beauty business in the area as we had no income and nothing to do with our time.

“However, I did take the time away to gain my level-three education and teaching qualification which has allowed me to become a fully accredited trainer in eyelash extensions which I wouldn’t have had the time to do with if it wasn’t for lockdown."

The business owner has gained the qualifications to train other would be eyelash technicians in her craft, which may provide easier access for other young women like her to get a foot in the door

“The thing that sets my business apart from others in the area is that I am now an accredited trainer. Looking back on when I first wanted to get into lashing, there wasn’t anywhere local where I could go to train in eyelash extensions so I ended up travelling to Blackpool for my courses.

“Hopefully, when I am able to open my own academy, the young girls wanting to get into the industry in the area will have the opportunity to right on their doorstep."

Adele credits much of the success of her business to her friends of family and made a touching nod to her mam, who has helped her since the start. She said: "I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the amazing support system around me, especially my mam, Miranda Heavey, who was been with me every step of the way."

Adele hopes to open her own shop in Workington.