There is a new beauty salon in Marchmont thanks to a small business loan offered by RBS to an Edinburgh beauty therapist. This is the realisation of a dream for Amy Ramage who has been a therapist for nine years, providing a range of beauty treatments including facials, nails, waxing, eyelashes, make-up, body treatments and “fake bake” tanning. Now she has her own salon to offer all of these services to clients.
Amy recently approached Stuart Shand, business specialist at RBS and together they were successful in attracting a small business loan, allowing Amy to find a suitable 600sq ft premises on Beaufort Road, Marchmont.
Amy, aged, 30, has additionally used the loan to carry out a thorough refurbishment, giving the salon a warm and light feel. She has created a spacious area at the front of the salon for nail treatments and make-up and has additionally created a spray tan room and two further treatment rooms. She now plans to recruit a part-time therapist and expand the team further as the business grows.
She said: “To get the perfect premises, I needed a little help in finding somewhere and fitting it out exactly how I wanted it. The loan from RBS has enabled me to create a homely and cosy feel to the salon, with wooden floors and antler chandeliers with a hint of purple running through the salon. I wanted to create an environment where people could come and relax.
“I have been in the industry for many years and know there are lots of salons in the area so I was keen to create something a little different. My salon feels spacious and homely yet is bright and inviting too.”
Locating the salon in Marchmont was important to Amy too as it’s her favourite part of the city, and has also lent itself to attracting passing trade and new customers.
She said: “The move has given me the freedom to create my own space which my clients love. It’s also given me more space to offer new treatments. The plan now is to keep growing and to build a good team of staff who can offer the same high standard of treatment and good customer service that are crucial in this industry.”
Stuart Shand, RBS business specialist, added: “Amy is an experienced therapist and is committed to continual learning and development. We were impressed by her attitude and passion for her services and the brands she works with and wish her the best of luck with her new venture.”
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