A KILMARNOCK hair and beauty business is thriving after its owner received specialist start-up advice and digital support from Business Gateway.
With almost 30 years’ experience in the industry, Lisa McAlister decided to become self-employed and founded Lisa Elle Hair & Makeup, which specialises in bespoke bridal and event hair and makeup, in November 2021.
Shortly after launch, Lisa recognised the changing business landscape, including the impact and importance of social media for growth.
She approached Business Gateway for guidance and was put in touch with a dedicated local adviser who offered initial start-up guidance via Planning to Start, a dedicated online tool for new business owners to direct them to valuable resources and set goals. Lisa was also offered support with hot desking and managing cashflow.
Lisa also undertook a Digital Health Check via Business Gateway’s Digital Boost programme, to assess her digital capabilities and business needs. She was assigned a digital expert at NS Design, a Glasgow-based training company, resulting in a revised approach to her social media.
This support helped Lisa realise her business goals and future strategy, playing an important role in growing her confidence and becoming a knowledgeable business owner.
Lisa is an experienced hair and make-up artist who has acquired an abundance of knowledge working in the hair industry for 25 years, as well as a further two years working for a top beauty brand and she has completed various training courses at the Academy of Makeup in Glasgow. Lisa has recently launched a new range of services as the business grows including skincare and make-up lessons, mindfulness makeup services as well as affirmation work, creating a unique beauty experience.
Lisa McAllister, Founder of Lisa Elle Hair and Makeup, said: “When I came back to being self-employed things had changed so much, I had no idea where to start and quickly realised I couldn’t pick up where I had left off. I contacted Business Gateway and was put in touch with Caroline, whose help, support, ideas and encouragement have been amazing and just what I need in a business mentor.”
Caroline Duff, Adviser at Business Gateway, commented: “Lisa has worked incredibly hard to get to where she is, focusing on her main goal which is to make people feel good about themselves in a mindful way. It is excellent to see how well she is doing, and how her training has helped grow and expand the business services even more.
“Like many people starting out on their own, Lisa was faced with a very different landscape to what she might have expected, with the rise of digital capabilities and tech. Business Gateway is here to offer a helping hand in making that first step, providing a sounding board for ideas and advice on how to create a robust business plan, and we’d encourage anyone else thinking of starting up to get in touch.” To find out how Business Gateway can help your business, visit: www.bgateway.com
