STUDENT JEMMA NOW THE TEACHER
Beautician has opened own academy in Hartshill
A BEAUTICIAN has expanded her business by opening her own academy in her Stoke-on-trent salon.
Jemma Ball, from Newcastle, opened her salon, Jemma Elizabeth Beauty, in Hartshill, in November 2019, but had to close just a few months later due to the first UK lockdown.
After what has been a difficult year for the beauty industry, Jemma decided to bring forward a dream she says ‘was always in the pipeline’.
The nail, brow and lash artist recently qualified as an educator with the Willow Academy, and can deliver its courses in Stoke-on-trent.
Jemma, aged 29, said the third lockdown prompted her to set up the academy.
“Due to the pandemic, a lot of jobs have been affected, and there was a boom in people taking beauty courses.
“A lot of people were new to the industry, and had maybe been let go from their normal jobs, and wanted to make the jump to being selfemployed.
“But there were also a lot of already established beauticians learning new skills to add to their services.
“Opening the academy was always in the pipeline, but just after Christmas, we realised we were heading for a third lockdown, and we would be closed again.
“So we decided to put the time to good use, and we started work on the academy on Boxing Day.”
The Jemma Elizabeth Academy is located within Jemma’s salon and all courses are in-person in a Covid-safe environment.
Jemma said: “These kinds of courses are very hands on and practical, so they are difficult to do online.
“We are really lucky to have a lot of space so that we can effectively put all of the important Covid-19 safety measures in place.
“Teaching is brand new for me, so I’m both nervous and excited to get started.
“I’m the type of person who just has to force myself to just do something if I’m nervous, so I’m going to go for it, and I know that I will enjoy it.”
Jemma hopes the academy can educate the next generation of beauticians in North Staffordshire.
She added: “We are really keen to promote women in business.
“I hope it will be a really inspiring space, particularly for young girls who are new to the industry and have lots that they want to achieve.
“It’s nice that as well as offering advice and support, I can now offer practical help through the courses.
“I can’t wait until we can open the salon again, and I believe the beauty industry will go from strength to strength when things start to get back to normal.”