Teenager sets up hairdressing business in Newark

An 18-year-old has set up her own hairdressing business and hopes to inspire others her age to follow their dreams.

Shannon Webster has opened Curl Up ‘N’ Dye, on Lombard Street, Newark.

“I have always wanted to do hairdressing and opening the salon has been a dream come true,” she said.

After leaving school aged 11, Shannon was home-tutored until she was 16, before attending Lincoln College to study hairdressing.

While at college Shannon took her maths and English GCSEs and worked hard to pass her exams early. She then became an apprentice at HairWorks, Lincoln.

“I wanted to start working straight away and be an inspiration to my friends and other people my age,” Shannon said.

Her mother, Mrs Katrina Webster, runs Little Blessings, a clothes shop on Lombard Street, and rents a unit next door.

She decided to let Shannon use the premises to set up her own business as a gift for her 18th birthday.

'I am so proud of her'

“Shannon works hard and she knows what she wants,” Mrs Webster said.

“It will be hard work but Shannon is driven and I am so proud of her.

“She has done everything herself and designed the layout of the salon.”

To promote her business, Shannon has handed out nearly 500 leaflets and posted messages on social media.

She already has some clients and is planning to recruit staff.

She hopes to one day become an award-winning hairdresser.

The salon takes walk-in appointments and is open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 9am-5pm; Thursday: 9am-7pm; and Saturday: 8.30am-4pm.