New businesswoman finds her niche at The Nook hair salon

THE owner of a new hair salon has says it has turned her life around after being made redundant.

Charlotte Stroud, 39, who owns The Nook on Burnley Road East in Waterfoot along with business partner Becky Eastwood, 33, was working for a business that makes uniforms for different professions when she was suddenly laid off without warning.

The mum-of-two, who lives in Haslingden, said: “I just walked in one day after eight years and was told I was being made redundant.

“I was talking to my friend Becky saying I just couldn’t believe it and we came up with the idea of doing something together.

“She has been a hairdresser for years and I have a customer service background so she’s doing the hairdressing and I’m front of house.

“Now I think being laid off is the best thing that’s ever happened to me – it’s an absolute joy getting up for work and hairdressing is totally new to me so I’m learning every day.”

Charlotte’s husband, who is a joiner, also pitched in to help and fitted the shop for the two friends.

And now they hope their brand new salon, which will be officially opened by the Mayor of Rossendale, Coun Granville Morris, will be a trendsetter.

Among the products is a new range of glue-in, rather than clip-in, hair extensions, which they say The Nook is the only salon in Rossendale to offer.

They are also a keen promoter of the fashionable mermaid colours – indigos, purples and pinks – that they say are very popular with youngsters.

But they do traditional styles as well.

Charlotte said: “We do both very modern and traditional hair for people of any age, from young children to pensioners.

“I have every confidence in Becky as a hairdresser – she is brilliant.”

The official opening for the salon, which began trading three weeks ago, was due to take place on August 18.

Charlotte said: “We’ve had an amazing start.

“I’m so content and wake up raring to go.”

She will be taking advantage of her friend’s hairdressing skills too.

She said: “I’m Becky’s guinea pig.

“I’ve told her any new styles or trends she wants to try out she can try them on me.” CONTACT: DANIELLE ROPER OFFICE: 0161 2112295 @RoperDanielle DANIELLE.ROPER@TRINITYMIRROR.COM ●● Charlotte Stroud, left, and Becky Eastwood from new Waterfoot salon The Nook