Future is all made up for young mum Lois
The future is looking good for young mum Lois Fowler.
The Sunderland student has launched LFW Makeup Headquarters in South Hylton – a dedicated professional studio.
Lois combines single parenting duties for fiveyear-old son Henry with running her business and completing the final year of her Business and Marketing Management degree at the University of Sunderland, but isn’t fazed by the workload.
“This has been a dream for me for so long, to be selfemployed and build my own brand, but I would never have had the confidence to do this before I came to university,” she said.
“I feel like I have really found myself here,” explained the 32-year-old, who has been a freelance makeup artist for a number of years.
“There are a lot of mobile makeup artists out there, or those who have a station based in a hair salon or beauty clinic for example, but this is a dedicated studio specifically for professionally-applied make-up in the city.
“I wanted a studio designed for the client to come into a salon-style environment, and get their makeup professionally applied.
“Professional make-up is a huge industry now, especially with the popularity of social media sites such as Instagram. Everyone wants to look their best, and of course there are the media influences on women of all ages such as the Kardashians.”
Business support for Lois’s venture came through the Enterprise Place, the University’s business startup service, funded through the European Regional Development Fund and available to all students and alumni of the University.
The Enterprise Place offers office space and facilities, start-up and growth courses, and specialist advisers offering support and guidance all aimed at helping you turn a business idea into reality.
“The support has been fantastic and I feel very proud that I’ve finally reached this stage,” said Lois.
I left school with no GCSE’s and went straight into work with various recruitment agencies in sales roles, working my way up into management, but got stuck in a rut. However, when my son Henry came along all that changed and I took the opportunity to fulfil my ambition of going to university. This is for him, to show his mum can do this.”
Lois returned to college four years ago, completing an Access to Education course, which allowed her to land a place on the business degree at the University of Sunderland.
She said: “I haven’t looked back since joining the course and enjoy every minute of university. Not just the educational and financial support, but the emotional support I’ve received to help with my confidence has been incredible.”
As well as make-up transformations, Lois also plans to host training sessions on make-up application, as well as selling make-up supplies, from false eye lashes to body glitter, through key contacts and suppliers she has made over the years.
In between make-up sessions, Lois will be completing her final dissertation before she graduates in July.
“I have a desk in the studio so I’ll be ready to pull out the course work in between clients,” she said.
“It’s going to be pressure, but it’s all worth it. This is my second chance, and I want to get a First Class degree.
“What’s the point in going to University if you’re not aiming high? Everything is achievable.”
Pippa Christie, University EnterpriseEngagementOfficer, said: “It’s a proud day when you see one of our members take up the opportunity of openingtheirownenterprise.
“Since joining us we’ve seen Lois’s confidence go from strength-to-strength. She has shown determination and passion and clearly has an entrepreneurial mind.”