Haroon smashing stereotypes

AN entrepreneur says a childhood as one of only a few Asian people on Anglesey helped him to become a successful businessman.

While Haroon Danis stood out growing up on the island he says learning Welsh was a way to become quickly accepted – adding he “could get away with anything!”

He said his upbringing in Menai Bridge gave him confidence and courage – and that has played a big part in creating his hugely successful Skin HQ clinic brand, based in Manchester.

The 33-year-old, of Bangladeshi descent, is also taking on a stereotype in the Asian community – moving people away from the “traditional” trades like restaurant and taxi work.

“As far as I know I am the only person from Bangladeshi descent working in the skincare business, he said.

“I would like to guide people away from just working in traditional trades like running a taxi firm or a restaurant into realising there is a lot of potential for their skills.

“That also means working with other communities and breaking down barriers.”

Haroon, who attended Ysgol David Hughes, added: “Yes, having a Bangladeshi grandfather and an Italian mother made me different, but Anglesey was such a beautiful place to live, great for sport and I felt so welcomed there.

“I was accepted and to be honest from the minute I learned Welsh, I could get away with anything!”

He added that the strong community bond has also made him a leading philanthropist, including donating £1.3 million of free facials to NHS staff to ease their tension, refresh their complexion and prevent mask irritation.

“Wearing personal protective equipment for 12 hours at a time can lead to blotchiness, bleeding and even rashes,” said Haroon, who now lives in Manchester.

“When I saw that NHS staff were putting their lives on the line and having to perform tasks such as reading out final messages to loved ones, I felt I had to do something.”