A BEAUTY student has launched her own business at just 17 after brushing up her skills at college and with a successful local business.
Darlington College student Molly-May Thirkettle impressed her boss Sophie Garratt so much she decided to offer a chair in her salon.
Now the teenager has begun to attract her own clients as well as help out at Bella Beauty and Training Academy by Sophie, in Thompson Street East, Darlington.
When Molly-May left Wyvern Academy, Darlington, she first enrolled on a childcare course at Darlington College before opting this year to study Level 2 beauty therapy.
The college arranged for her to complete her work experience at Sophie’s salon and Molly-May instantly felt at home.
“It was like working with friends, everyone was so welcoming,” said Molly-May. “I enjoyed talking to customers and making them teas and coffees. I also did a lot of cleaning – I like cleaning – and got to practise attaching eyelashes. Before I left, Sophie asked me to work on a Saturday and now has offered me a chair for my own clients.”
She has now launched Timeless Beauty by Molly-May specialising in lashes, microblading, eyebrow tints, facials, manicures, pedicures and make-up and she gained 100 followers on Instagram in a single day.
“I have always been interested in beauty and have been doing nails since I was very young,” she said. “My mam and grandma always told me to make sure I looked nice as it’s important to give a good impression. I’ve learned a lot from my tutors at college and I couldn’t have started the business without the help of Sophie.”
Sophie said: “I see a little bit of me in Molly-May. I went to Darlington College years ago but then left when I got a job. Since then I’ve worked in retail and call centres but was able to go back to college a few years ago to study the same course as Molly-May and have my own salon.
“I thought Molly-May was fantastic and really stood out from the crowd. She was so interested and hard working that I couldn’t let her go. I take on a lot of work experience from schools and the college to help out and give back to the community and it just goes to show other businesses and students what can happen if you give people an opportunity.
“I started in my living room, then took a chair and have now taken over the whole building which shows what you can achieve if you want to. There are no limits if you want it enough. Molly-May is a great example of the next generation coming through and how spotting opportunities in work experience can really work.”
For more information on opportunities at Darlington College visit www.darlington.ac.uk.