subject: Busy Mum Makes Laser Tattoo Removal A Success [print this page] Ever thought of running your own business? There are as many challenges as there are rewards, yet despite the risks, one Wirral business woman is making big waves in the skin treatment and laser tattoo removal business In her interview on nwtv.biz this week Karen Biddulph founder of Refine beauty told us what it takes to be a busy Mum and how to make it in business.
"I started Refine beauty as a consequence of wanting a new challenge after 20 years plus as a health care professional and midwife. A friend has recently had thread veins removed from her face and it had made such a difference to her complexion I thought this is the business to be in, also I figured that the fashion of tattoos will soon become pass, and the will be many people wanting tattoos removed, with the 'idea in mind'' I set about starting my education in business.
I attended a course at Wirral Met for business management and thereafter I attended a Wirralbiz course and completed my business plan and thus received a grant for start up funding. Then I sourced the best laser treatment equipment suppliers and Linton were a fantastic resource for me, and the laser equipment they supply is the best around in my opinion, and as a former health care professional it was very important I use the best.
After my training on the equipment I was ready, and it was make or break and go out into the big bad world and see if I can make money. I sourced some of the more reputable salons in the county and approached them to see if they were interested in me having a concession in their establishments, and I was very pleased they did. It's really tough going in your first year, and you can get very busy at times.
I used a voucher system to launch my business and it worked very well for me, the initial return on investment is not so much the money, but the branding and repeat clients this process can yield. One year into business and I can now say I am very pleased and I will never look back."
Karen is now very successful and now has concessions in :
'Roz Tranfield' in Wallasey
'Nail Heaven' in Heswall
'Perfect hair' and beauty in Bebbington.
'Ambiance' in Hoylake
Her main services are Tattoo removal, Intense pulse light treatments and laser skin treatments for many blemishes like thread veins, rosecea, and active acne treatment she also specialises in laser hair removal.
She told me in our interview that a huge part of her business comes through word of mouth referrals, and because people feel that her experience really counts. Sometimes she would rather refuse business and refer someone to a GP rather than just carry on with a procedure that she feels a Doctor would be best looking at. She also spent a lot of time researching what products to use.
"You are only as good as your equipment, and I have seen some very cheap systems on the market that are not as well maintained as mine, and I would not recommend them personally
The best piece of advice I would give anyone starting in business is be prompt with call backs and follow everyone up at all times, this is especially important in the service industry, and don't worry about sometimes wondering whether you are doing the right thing its natural to feel daunted just keep the faith and believe in yourself.
