Local entrepreneur heads for global success following Middlesbrough College guidance

Local beauty entrepreneur Hollie Simpson is encouraging other young women to think about setting up their own businesses.

The 34-year-old from Ingleby Barwick started her business when she was 24-years-old, buying a Saks beauty salon franchise.

Now, the former Middlesbrough College student is launching another company offering advice on skincare.

Hollie’s business - which employs five people - is said to be thriving, therefore she has recruited another Middlesbrough College student, 20-year-old Rebecca Oxley.

Hollie said: “I always knew that I wanted to run my own business, and now I’ve been doing it for 10 years I encourage other young women to think about doing it for themselves.

“My journey started with studying hair and beauty at Middlesbrough College around 2001. There was a business module at the end of my course and I think that’s where I got the idea about working for myself.”

Since buying the Saks beauty salons franchise, Hollie has become one of a select handful of salon owners who work with Saks’ head office to develop training courses. She has built nationally-recognised knowledge of skincare through extensive research.

She is now launching a separate business offering education to other skincare professionals.

She explained: “I realised the industry is very orientated towards treatment of skin, without much knowledge about the science behind skincare.

“There is a gap in the market and that’s where my training courses will help salons practice advance skin treatments correctly.”

She has received support from Middlesbrough-based Enterprise Revolution and Gem Finance, who helped her develop a business plan and organise her finances.

Zoe Lewis, principal and chief executive of Middlesbrough College, concluded: “We’re always thrilled to see Middlesbrough College alumni using the skills and knowledge they gained at college to build businesses.

“Even better that Hollie’s success means she has chosen to give opportunities to other Middlesbrough College students. We’re an ambitious college and that’s reflected in the achievements of our former students like Hollie.”