Luxury is name of the game at new Kidderminster salon

Alisha Barnett, aged 23, and business partner Tessa Rouse, 25, have joined together to open AT Hair and Beauty in Kidderminster’s Offmore Road.

They have invested £20,000 into the business which offers a full range of hair and beauty services – with the promise of jobs in the future as they grow.

Alisha and Tessa, who have a combined 15 years’ experience in the industry, have worked together in other local salons and say it’s a “dream” to open their own business – which is already proving popular.

Ms Barnett said: “More than anything, we want the salon to be known as a luxury and relaxing place to come and be pampered.

"The feedback and comments we’ve had in our first few weeks has been amazing and we are obsessed with making sure every last detail and the atmosphere is perfect for our customers.

“Everything is going in the right direction and we are determined that as the business develops, we will be in a position to grow our team in the months and years ahead.”

That expansion is planned for the next 18 months by taking on an additional hairdresser, a nail artist, and an apprentice. Tessa added: “Alisha and I are great friends and have known each other for around 10 years.

"We have been really fortunate to have had a great grounding in the industry, but owning and growing our own salon has always been our big ambition.”

Starting her hairdressing career when she was 16, over the past eight years Tessa has completed a variety of qualifications at London’s Toni and Guy Academy and has worked backstage on two occasions at London Fashion Week.

Alisha kicked off her career in the industry in 2015. A hair stylist, Alisha has moved to concentrate on the beauty side of the industry, becoming a sought-after expert in waxing, lash lifting and a range of nail treatments.