Michelle has a flair for hair

A Gateshead College student is helping blushing brides to feel and look great on their way down the aisle. Michelle Fowler, 35 from Burnopfield, Newcastle is a mature student at Gateshead College on a fast track NVQ Level 2 Hairdressing course. Michelle went to Business Link with a business idea and a lot of enthusiasm and she was able to establish her own wedding hair business.

Through Minx Hair Design, Michelle caters for brides who want a specific look for their special day. She said: "I set up Minx Hair Design when I realised brides needed more care than the majority of hairdressers were able to provide.

"I kept hearing from friends and family that it would be so much nicer if they didn't have to leave the house on the morning of their wedding. To have someone come to you would be so much more relaxing.

"So, I decided to create a service that belonged to the bride, took the stress away and made them feel extra special."

Michelle was assisted by Business Link account manager, Stuart Nicholas. He said: "It was fantastic to work with Michelle and to help her realise her ambition to set up her own business. She had a strong business idea, and with support from Business Link, we were able to make her idea into a viable business."

Last year, Michelle was a full time student at Gateshead College completing an NVQ Level 1 in Hairdressing. With the success of her new business, Michelle is now completing her second year of study on a fast track programme that requires her to attend college twice a week, giving her more time to progress the business.

Before fulfilling her aspirations and becoming a hairdresser Michelle used to work as a manager in the department store Next.

She said: "I've always known that I wanted to be a hairdresser, I just needed to get the qualifications."

Michelle has also undergone extra specialist hair design training with hairdressing giants GHD. She now works alongside two hotels, Derwent Manor and Eslington Villa, where she is recommended hairdresser for wedding parties.

She said: "Bridal hair design is my passion, and to be able to specialise in this is a dream come true."

The budding entrepreneur does not just have one business, but two. Michelle also runs a children's pamper party service, Little Minx Pamper Parties.

She said: "My inspiration for setting up Little Minx Pamper Parties came from my own little girl, my very own little minx that I can't keep out of my make-up bag.

"Since setting up Little Minx Pamper Parties, my feet haven't touched the ground, I have already found that I need an assistant."

Little Minx Pamper Parties gives young girls a chance to dress up and experiment with makeup in a safe environment and without ruining mum's make-up.

A typical little minx pamper party includes hair styling, make-up (eye shadow, glitter and lip gloss) applied, and then a manicure where nails will be painted and gems applied.

As well as running her successful businesses Michelle plans to take up an NVQ Level 3 in Hairdressing at Gateshead College next year.

Gateshead College runs courses in hairdressing, beauty and holistic therapies from its state-of-the-art Baltic Campus Salon and Spa. Students train using the latest industry standard facilities including a hair salon, treatment rooms, hydrotherapy suite, steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi.

For further information about Minx Hair Design visit minxhairdesign.co.uk.

For more information about Gateshead College and courses visit gateshead.ac.uk and to find out more about the support that Business Link can offer to new and existing businesses, visit businesslink.gov.uk.