Northern Women in Business

On the 8th of March, International Women’s Day, we celebrate northern lasses who are bold in business…

Blondie Brownie

“It’s scary and risky, but if you don’t try it, you never know.”

From gooey chocolate Brownies to Jam Roly-Poly Blondies, the two friends behind Blondie Brownie create decadent baked treats that are perfect for indulging. The bakes include a twist on the traditional classics, from Apple Crumble Blondies to Black Forest Gateaux Brownies. Initially, operating out of their own kitchens for family and friends, they found that their home-baked goodies were being eaten quicker than they could be made! Once word got out, they quickly outgrew their kitchens. They acquired a unit in Barnoldswick to bake and sell their expanding variety of products, leading them to acquire a shop located on Sandy Lane in Barrowford. With high demand for Natalie and Kayleigh’s culinary creations, in January 2024, they secured another venue to help satisfy demand by ‘baking roots’ in the heart of Colne.

Still a family business, the two friends and their families hand mix each batch of Brownie and Blondie, putting love and effort into each one. Five years later, with three babies, two weddings and more melted chocolate than they know what to do with, Blondie Brownie has gone from strength to strength. “If you want to start a business, go for it!” Natalie and Kayleigh recommend, “It’s scary and risky, but if you don’t try, you will never know.” Since beginning baking in their kitchens in 2017 and running a full-time family business, Lancashire has discovered Blondie Brownie, and it can’t get enough.

With 28.5 thousand followers on Instagram and another 7.3K on Facebook, Blondie Brownie’s online presence is exploding with hungry fans getting their Blondie Brownie to fix through their letterbox via their successful Postal Service. To taste their sweet success, you can catch them at Skipton Market every Saturday or visit their shops in both Barnoldswick and Barrowford. Or if you want Brownies and Blondies direct to your door (who doesn’t?), then visit their website blondiebrownie.co.uk

80 Albert Road, Colne.

Boutique by Victoria

“I would say, if you’ve got the passion, do it!”

In the middle of the Covid pandemic, Victoria began to think opening her shop, Boutique by Victoria, in Barrowford, was a mistake. “Honestly, I felt like giving up,” Victoria admits. She continued to sell her clothes online, but as the pandemic hit, just as she opened her shop, she wasn’t having much luck. Then she made a video of herself holding a pair of trousers in her living room. They were magic trousers, a comfy cross between jeans and joggers that Victoria had spotted before they became popular.

“Everyone went mad for those trousers,” Victoria smiles, “That was it; it just took off.” Victoria went from renting a little room at the front of Pure Beauty to owning the whole building. “For any woman who wants to open up a business, I would say, if you’ve got the passion, do it! It’s really rewarding for me – I enjoy making women feel good and empowering them. When they come in and try an outfit on, you can tell they feel like a different person; it’s great seeing the smile on their face.”

The business grew out of Victoria’s passion for clothes and has become the place for women to find fashion for over three generations. “It’s a very friendly shop, and we provide a warm welcome,” Victoria explains. “We have new items weekly and can provide a bespoke shopping experience. I’ve got a passion for bright colours, so there are always lovely, vibrant pieces in stock. If you’re looking for Christmas party outfits, be sure to pop down on Prosecco Saturdays, where you’ll be treated to a glass of fizz while you browse for the show-stopping outfit.

2 Forest View, Barrowford, Nelson BB9 8PR 07447862686 boutiquebyvictoria.co.uk

Joanne Mary Smith Beauty

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help and advice”

After winning Professional Beauty Therapist of the Year in 2010, Joanne Mary Smith was inspired to bring JMS Beauty Salon to Barrowford. “It was overwhelming and a huge responsibility, but I thought it would be now or never!” Joanne smiles, and with encouragement from friends and family, Joanne is able to bring her beauty expertise to the village. The salon welcomes everyone by offering a bespoke lifestyle approach, with each client receiving tailor-made treatments to provide the best results. Joanne has gained a loyal clientele over the last 12 years and recommends building experience in the industry for those looking to start a business themselves. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help and advice, especially from someone in the same industry; we all love to help each other. Start off small and build,” Joanne suggests. “I am still as passionate today about the beauty industry as when I first opened the doors to Beauty. Joanne Mary Smith 12 years ago. It’s been a challenge at times to grow when the industry has changed so much from my college days, but it’s exciting to see where we’re heading.”

Joanne’s salon offers a luxurious, holistic, spa-like treatment with knowledgeable staff ahead of beauty trends. The team prides itself on having a truly prescriptive approach to beauty therapy, offering a stunning range of therapeutic and rejuvenating face, body, hand and foot care treatments, using only exclusive products with the finest ingredients. With luxurious and intimate surroundings, Beauty’s professional and dedicated team are delighted to offer you a unique, memorable and relaxing experience. Perfect for bringing beauty to Barrowford!

106a Gisburn Rd, Barrowford, Nelson BB9 6EW 01282 690515 jmsbeauty.co.uk

 

Angles for Hair 

“It takes hard work, commitment and a good, loyal team around you”

The Barrowford business woman Joanne Wright took over the successful and long-established Angles for Hair at the age of 26. “I bought it from my first and only boss, Annette Moss,” Joanne explains. “She was the person who inspired me to start my own business as I really looked up to her and wanted to achieve all the things she had achieved at a very young age.”

After her first child, Joanne decided to sell the business to her friend and work colleague Helen Burrows. However, in April last year, Joanne decided she was ready to take on the business once again, completing a full refurbishment to create a stylish and contemporary space ready to welcome clients. Joanne juggled the refurbishment with her business, Colour Bank, which she has owned in Colne for 13 years.

“I would recommend anyone with a thick skin and good work ethic to start their own business,” Joanne says, “but it’s not for the faint-hearted. It takes hard work, commitment and a good, loyal team around you. But when you reach your goal, there’s no feeling quite like it.” Angles is an extremely friendly and relaxed salon that offers many services for all ages. It has long-serving members of staff who are able to provide a personalised beauty experience. The salon also stocks a range of designer shampoos, styling products, and treatments, as well as fabulous gift sets perfect for Christmas. Well known for fashionable chops and creating colours that pop, head down to the salon in Barrowford for a trim or a complete transformation.

1 Forest View, Gisburn Road, Barrowford, Nelson BB9 8PR 01282 690416 Facebook – Angles For Hair Barrowford

Yours Facially 

“The key to success is to listen to what your customers want”

Providing medical aesthetic treatment using only premium products from UK-licensed pharmacies, Carolyn believes facial rejuvenation and aesthetic treatments should be undetectable. “People should not look at someone and be able to tell immediately that they’ve had a few little tweaks,” Carolyn explains. Instead, they should look at the person and think, ‘They’re ageing well and clearly, they take great care of their skin.’

“I battled constantly as a teenager and a young adult with acne, which sparked my interest in skin and skin health in particular,” Carolyn says. She tried to cover the imperfections with various lotions, creams and specialist makeup and tried every antibiotic the GP would give her. Carolyn’s struggle with acne led her to become a nurse. “I was working as a Sister in the ICU, then in 2011, I decided to explore a business course to learn about skin treatments for acne and acne scarring. The course covered chemical skin peels, microneedling, injectables for facial rejuvenation and some business tips and guidance. I set up a little clinic at home doing facial aesthetics in my spare time alongside my nursing career.”

Since gaining a Master’s degree in Advanced Practice, Yours Facially grew quickly with Carolyn specialising in natural-looking results using advanced techniques with neuromodulators, dermal fillers, skin boosters and chemical peels. Your Facially Clinic is also an approved centre for thread vein removal and stockists of medical-grade skincare. For Carolyn, the key to success is to listen to what your customers want and focus on doing a few things well rather than being a ‘Jack of all trades’ and a ‘master of none’.

First Floor, Above Angles, For Hair, 1 Forest View, Barrowford, Nelson BB9 8PR 07980 423555 capiper@sky.com yoursfacially.com

 

Little Blossoms Childrens Nursery

“I felt that it was meant to be”

Former early years teacher Amy Sethi and her father, John Greenall, always wanted to open a nursery together once John retired. Still, before their dream could be realised, John unexpectedly passed away. After her father’s passing, Amy was driving through Barrowford when she saw something that marked the beginning of Little Blossoms.

“I saw a sign that said, ‘Would you like to own your own nursery?’” Amy explains, “I felt that it was meant to be.” Little Blossoms began in 2014, providing a home-to-home setting for Barrowford’s little ones. “We’re very nurturing here, with small group sizes. We are family-run; my mum and I are here daily, joining in with everything. The children are at the centre of it all,” Amy smiles. The nursery accepts children from birth to school age with rooms to cater for growing children. The nursery has grown so successful Amy advises parents to think about childcare well in advance. “We fill up quickly. At the minute, we’re booming.”

Amy, a parent herself, successfully juggles being a businesswoman and a mum. “It’s hard. I think from a woman’s point of view. I still have that pressure to have that Mrs Hinch home and be that amazing super mummy. I work an awful lot of hours, but I do have an amazing team behind me! They make my job so much easier!” If you’re looking for an outstanding family-run nursery with a safe, loving environment.

22 Gisburn Road, Barrowford, BB9 8NE 01282 615998 littleblossomsofbarrowford.co.uk

Ashworth Jewellers

“You can do anything you set your mind to”

Ashworth Jewellers Barrowford began in 2002 after a long road to find their forever home, which took them from Harrogate town centre, a basement in Barnoldswick, to their first branch in Ilkley, West Yorkshire in 1994. Eight years later, an opportunity arose to bring their jewellery expertise to Barrowford with a team of four ladies and two beagles! “We love being situated in the heart of Barrowford. It has such a diverse group of small businesses and shops and a thriving community,” Bea explains. Priding themselves on outstanding customer service, Ashworth’s team works closely with each customer to help create the perfect piece of jewellery, which has helped develop their successful business.

“The advice we would give to other women who wish to start a business is to be passionate about what you do,” the team explains. “If you’ve got passion, skill and hard work, then the rest will follow. You can do anything you set your mind to. Another thing that’s always helped us is having a great team that works well together. We’re only a small shop and team, but the dynamics work well. We’re a shoulder to cry on for each other on the bad days and cheer each other on during the good.” Ashworth Jewellers believe jewellery should be treasured and understands the trust involved in leaving your jewellery to be repaired or remodelled. With over 35 years of skill and experience, you can rely on Ashworth Jewellers to provide excellent service.

2 Ingham Street, Barrowford, Lancs.BB9 6 EG 01282 616813 ashworthjewellers.com

The Kabin Sandwich Bar and Café

“You have to really want to make things work”

It was a breast cancer diagnosis and a yearning to be her own boss that inspired Lea to start her own business, the Kabin Sandwich Shop. “I decided in 2008 that I would never again work for someone else. I wanted to show my two girls that you need to make something of yourself, for yourself and show the world that you can be anything you want to be. I had a dream, I saw the opportunities, and I worked tirelessly to make life happen. You have to want to make things work. Nothing comes easy, but it gets easier the more experienced you become at it.”

After renting a small sandwich kiosk, Lea loved running her sandwich shop, except… “I needed to go bigger,” Lea explains. And so, The Kabin Sandwich Shop in Barrowford was born. The Kabin has an industrial decor with a twist of homeliness to it. Warm and inviting, the large windows look out onto the street, providing the perfect place for people-watching. “The staff are very attentive and have a loving and happy nature,” Lea explains. “They work marvellously as a team, too; they make me proud!” The Kabin creates its tasty soups, lasagne and quiche in-house and provides a fresh salad bar, and there’s plenty of choice if you’re in a rush with a wide range of takeout food from hot and cold sandwiches to poke bowls. The dog-friendly café was an instant hit with Barrowford locals, a testament to Lea’s homemade food.

138 Gisburn Road, Barrowford. BB9 6HQ Tel: 07478 706383 Facebook: The Kabin Barrowford

 

 

NorthernLife Nov/Dec 22