• A BEAUTY therapist realised her dream of owning her own salon as she opened the doors to a business created to give customers a slice of the spa experience.

Be Pampered was launched last night in Sedgefield by beauty therapist Ashleigh Jones, of Bowburn.

The 30-year-old has previously been operating on a self-employed basis out of a space in the town’s Ford and Ford Hairdressing.

But this summer she took the opportunity to take up premises next door on High Street, following the departure of Cooper and Barr opticians. Speaking at the opening, Mrs Jones said: “I’m still in shock that I’ve got the salon. I’m amazed I’ve achieved it but I’ve got so much support, especially from Chris Ford, of Ford and Ford, which gave me the platform to start being self-employed.

“I’ve also got my family and husband Michael who who has supported me through all of it.”

Mrs Jones trained as a beauty therapist at Newcastle College and started out at Reef Salons, now based at Ramside Hall Hotel, but formerly Reef Hair and Beauty at Bannatyne Health Club and Spa, in Durham.

From there she went on to work at Wynyard Hall where she started as a therapist and finished after eight years as assistant manager.

For the last four years Mrs Jones has been working from Ford and Ford but the businesses have been “running out of space” due to expansion on both sides. “When next door came up it was the perfect opportunity,” added Mrs Jones. “Most of my clients are here and I just like the village lifestyle. It’s a beautiful setting and just looking out the windows onto the green is really pretty.”

Mrs Jones will continue to work in partnership with Ford and Ford for the likes of weddings when parties require both hair and beauty.

The therapist will also be able to accommodate more customers in the new premises which has three treatment rooms, two manicure and two pedicure areas as well as a make-up station.

A larger space has also allowed Mrs Jones to take on a receptionist and bump her existing colleague and fellow beauty therapist’s hours to full-time.

Between them they offer a range of treatments including facials, massages, manicures, pedicures and micro-blading - a method of enhancing the eyebrow.

Mrs Jones intends on develop her skills to expand the offer which is popular among cancer patients and people with medical issues.

For more information about the salon visit bepamperedbyash.com