A hairdressing business at Kirkby Stephen which has gone from strength to strength since opening during lockdown has moved to new premises, tripling in size.
Amanda Jones, aged 25, started up Bloom two years ago in the middle of the coronavirus lockdowns. She was based in a small salon in Brough at first, and a solo operation.
“It took off after lockdowns ended and now, two years later, we are a team of three and have just moved into our new salon in Kirkby Stephen, tripled in size,” she said.
The doors opened on the new premises last month, with an open night held to mark the occasion.
Amanda is an ex-pupil of Kirkby Stephen Grammar School, and studied hairdressing at Kendal College. She then gained valuable experience in a Leeds salon for two years. She is married to Harry and the couple have two sons — Sonny, aged five, and three-year-old Calvin.
“Our parents and all our family have been so supportive throughout setting up a business while also raising our boys,” Amanda said.
“Starting out in lockdown was very daunting as it was all the unknown with the restrictions. It was upsetting to open for a month and then be locked down for four months.” Opening the new salon has involved the renovation of an old, unused building, but Amanda described the result as a dream come true.
She paid tribute to her two “amazing” staff — Rebekah (Bex) Walsh, who previously worked in a busy Kendal salon; and Morgan Sowerby, who is doing her apprenticeship with Amanda and Kendal College.
“We have so many loyal clients and can’t wait to welcome more, now that we have the space,” Amanda said.
