An inspirational young entrepreneur who built up a business from scratch as a teenager is help train the next generation of hair and beauty technicians after launching a new academy.
Millie Rose Stammers started her own business four-and-a-half years ago, when she was just 19.
The 23-year-old has since grown the salon into a luxury beauty boutique in London Road South, Kirkley, with seven hairdressing stations, three treatment rooms and a team of 13.
And now, Miss Stammers has returned to the site of her first salon – also in London Road South – to start a new academy training hair and beauty specialists across Waveney.
Salons in Lowestoft and Waveney have agreed to send their trainees to Industry Hair and Beauty Academy (IHBA) at no cost to them, as Miss Stammers has secured help from the government's Skills Funding Agency.
Apprentices will be able to earn while they learn, attending IHBA for training sessions around their home and work lives.
However aspiring technicians can also take private, self-funded courses such as NVQs in hairdressing and beauty therapy. There is also the opportunity to take individual units for those who do not want to do a full course.
IHBA says its philosophy is 'to nurture and develop raw talent', adding: 'We have a real passion for educating and take pride in supporting each individual throughout their journey to become successful within their chosen area.'
Miss Stammers said: 'There are a lot of salons and beauty therapists in the area, but not a lot of training opportunities.
'We contacted all the salons in the area to see if they would be interested in sending apprentices to the academy and they all were, because they also felt there was an opportunity for more training in the area.
'I'd like it to be the leader in Suffolk for providing hair and beauty training.'
Miss Stammers and her team have taken teaching qualifications in order to deliver the courses.
They plan to keep groups of apprentices small, with about eight in each group.
The academy was officially opened on Monday (September 19) by Lowestoft and Waveney Chamber of Commerce chairman James Reeder. He said: 'It is absolutely wonderful to see another business open.
'Millie is already well-established in London Road South and her new enterprise can only bring more people to this lovely shopping area.'
Full details on courses and apprenticeship available with salons in Waveney in conjunction with IBHA are available at www.industryacademy.co.uk
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