Lucy shows she’s a cut above with new salon!

Lucy Bale, a former hairdressing apprentice from Burton and South Derbyshire College, is currently celebrating after using her skills and experience to open a new salon.

On successful completion of her hairdressing apprenticeship, Lucy went on to work as a self-employed hairdresser based in Steph’s Salon Hair & Beauty in Swadlincote. The 21 year old has now launched her own salon in Swadlincote, Lou Lou’s Hair and Beauty, offering a full range of hairdressing and nail treatments.

Based in a former barber shop, Lucy has transformed the space into a vibrant and modern salon, offering a relaxing environment for clients booked in for treatments. Following an official launch event on Saturday 4th February, Lucy’s first full week in business coincided with National Apprenticeship Week. Lucy is passionate about sharing her experiences to encourage more young people to undertake an apprenticeship.

Lucy said: “I chose hairdressing because I always had an interest in hair and beauty as a young child; I used to love sitting and doing my mum’s hair. I’ve always loved the idea of boosting somebody’s confidence just by doing their hair. I chose an apprenticeship as I always liked the idea of educating myself and going to work at the same time. I always wanted to go straight into a work atmosphere, and with an apprenticeship, I could go to work one day per week and work the rest of the days, while still be learning as much as I could. I would always encourage people to take an apprenticeship because you get the feel of what it’s going to be like when you leave and you’re fully qualified. You’re still learning throughout it so when you leave, you have twice as much confidence as when you started.”

Speaking about her progression since completing her apprenticeship, Lucy said: “After completing my apprenticeship, I became self-employed, and I worked in an amazing salon with some amazing people. I have now opened my own salon, Lou Lou’s. It’s something I’ve always dreamed of doing; it just shows that you can follow your dreams! I’ve now got members of my team renting chairs in the salon and I just love the atmosphere we are able to create for people to have their hair done and feel really good about themselves.” 

For more information about applying for an apprenticeship or offering an apprenticeship within a company, go to www.bsdc.ac.uk/apprenticeships. To book an appointment with Lucy at Lou Lou’s Hair and Beauty, call 07940 523582.