‘We want to make people feel better both inside and out’
Taking our Q&A this week is Lindsey Cunningham, the owner of Lindsey’s Beauty Lounge, located on Burnley Road, Sowerby Bridge.
Why did you start your business in the first place?
I went to University not really knowing what I wanted to do, hoping I’d figure something out along the way. After graduating I started working in an office, and still didn’t have any idea! I decided to do a part time course in beauty therapy and found my passion there. Once I qualified, I decided to quit my job and start out on my own
What is your business motto?
We’re just your normal local girls, and we want to make people feel better both inside and out.
What advice would you give to anyone starting their own business?
I think the advice I would give anybody is to have faith in yourself and know your worth, that doesn’t just apply to when you’re getting started. It’s easy to get demotivated and have doubts creep in, but if the passion and drive is still there the results speak for themselves.
What was the biggest challenge you faced starting your business?
The first year was really hard, as it is with most businesses, and building up that list of clients took a long time. I had the belief in myself and what I offered though, so I stuck at it and we’re in a much better position now.
What do you enjoy most about being self-employed?
Being self-employed gives me the freedom to work around my family, and I get the final say on what happens within the business. I can be too critical of myself, but it’s great to take a step back sometimes and look at what we’ve achieved and take credit for that. There’s a lot of fulfilment in seeing the direct impact your work has had.
What do you enjoy least about being self-employed?
While having your own business allows you to enjoy the successes more, you also feel more responsible for any failures. If I’m sick or go away I don’t get paid, so it’s difficult to take that time away. I am responsible for more people than myself, so that always has to come into consideration.
Which business figure do you most admire and why?
I admire anybody who sets up their business for the first time and really has a go at it. Sticking with something new and making a success of it is hugely admirable, I’m constantly inspired by other people’s stories.
What achievement in your career are you most proud of?
Just being brave enough to take that first step and start my own business, then reaching the next stage where I can employ staff and move to new premises. We’ve got a great base of clients who’ve all become much more than customers, they’re our friends.
Where do you see your business going in the next five years?
First of all, I hope we’re still here in five years! It comes around fast, but it feels like a long way away now. I hope to keep building the business, offering clients the treatments they want and deserve, taking on more staff and gradually expanding