Grant helps get beauty business on the road

Helping bridal parties look their very best for the big day is Michelle Skellern’s mission. 

The experienced beautician takes her service on the road, offering a full range of hair and beauty treatments to a growing list of clients in Wales and beyond.

Pure Hair & Beauty was launched just over a year ago from Michelle’s base in Glynneath with a Kickstart grant of £500 for essentials. The Kickstart programme is run jointly by Tata Steel subsidiary UK Steel Enterprise and Neath and Port Talbot County Borough Council.

“That support was very important, and helped me get the business up and running,” said Michelle. “I used it to buy products and equipment for the business and it would have been difficult to launch without it.”

Pure Hair & Beauty delivers quality treatments by a fully qualified and insured professional.

As well as travelling to individual clients, Michelle caters for special occasions such as Pamper Parties, Hen Parties and birthdays. “I will go and help any ladies who want to look their best,” she said.

Princess Pamper parties for children are more and more popular too.

In the longer term, she sees the growth of the business coming from the wedding market.

“People spend large sums of money on weddings, and obviously the bride and her party want to look their very best and to feel totally confident. Quite rightly, they want everything to be perfect.

“I have provided hair and beauty services at many weddings, and this is something I would like to do more of,” she said.

Helping people on their Wedding Day demands a lot of experience. “You need to understand how the bride and her party feel on the day, and that they may be anxious,” she added. 

Michelle has over ten years’ experience in the hair and beauty business. She obtained Level 2 qualification from Aberdare College, and then went on to achieve Level 3 at Merthyr College. 

Glyn Thomas Manager in Wales for UK Steel Enterprise, said: “We are delighted to work with Neath and Port Talbot County Council to help launch new businesses in the community, creating job opportunities. 

“We wish Michelle every success as she works to expand her business and develop the client base.”