A HAIR and beauty salon has added a combination of experience and youth to its growing team.
Shine Hair and Beauty, at Preston Farm, Stockton, has set Olivia Harrison off her career path with an apprenticeship leading to NVQ qualifications.
The 17-year-old, of Hartburn, said: "I have always loved hair and beauty but started college to do A levels because all my friends were going. I soon realised it wasn't for me and decided I should try and do what I really wanted.
"I came for a trial at Shine and loved it. It's a really lively salon with a good, friendly atmosphere and is a great place to work. I feel like I'm learning a lot.
"I'm working five days a week, shampooing clients and watching the senior stylists at work. On a Tuesday evening I get to work on a model and write about what I've done for my folio."
Tutors from Hartlepool College will assess Olivia's progress as she works towards her NVQ level two over the next two years.
Sarah Ross has also joined the salon with more than two decades of experience, including several years with her best friend and Shine salon owner Jacqui Elliott.
"I've known Jacqui for 20 years when we both worked for a national chain. I thought it was fantastic when she opened her own salon and now my children are a bit older the time was right for me to join her," said Sarah, who is also from Hartburn.
"Like Olivia, I was a teenager when I started in hairdressing and I've never done anything else. It's a great career that allowed me to travel, working in Florida for 18 months when I was younger."
Sarah is particularly renowned for her expertise in colour and putting up hair for weddings and other special occasions.
Salon owner Jacqui added: "Sarah and Olivia are great additions to our team, taking us up to nine people as we complete our second year in business. The salon is really busy because we've built a good reputation and clients are happy to travel to us."