By Julian Whittle

Last updated at 13:36, Tuesday, 15 January 2013

Lucy Collier has no regrets – three months after entering one of the most fiercely-competitive businesses around.

Lucy Collier

The 25-year-old opened Nu Beauty in Carlisle’s Chapel Street in October.

There is no shortage of beauty salons in Carlisle but trade has been brisk nonetheless.

She said: “Christmas was a whirlwind. It’s been amazing. We were fully booked a lot of the time.”

Miss Collier, who is the partner of the former Carlisle United and Annan Athletic footballer Michael Jack, trained at Carlisle College and worked in a spa for five years before branching out on her own.

She said: “He’s always wanted me to start my own business.

“It was just a question of biting the bullet and having the confidence to do it.

“When you work for someone else you realise it can be difficult being in business but you want a bit more. I am so pleased I’ve done it now.”

The ground-floor salon, which is tastefully decorated in calm, muted colours, has two treatment rooms.

It offers body and facial treatments and massages, hand-and-foot care, waxing, make-up and eye treatments. Specialities include lash extensions, Shellac nails and HD Brows.

Miss Collier said: “HD Brows is a way of tailoring the brow to get a celebrity look. It’s the latest thing.”

She also does wedding make-up and will travel to the bride’s home.

Although the majority of customers at Nu Beauty are women, increasing numbers of image-conscious men are booking treatments too. She said: “We’ve even had some having their eyebrows done.

“There’s probably a whole new market in male grooming to look into.”

First published at 13:38, Monday, 14 January 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk