A teenage entrepreneur from Darlington is set to open her first skin salon next week, turning her long-time passion into a new business.
Alanna Midwood is set to launch her new business, Lana Luxxe Skin, on Saturday (April 18), at Ivy House on Bondgate.
The 19-year-old said she has been working tirelessly to transform the space ahead of the opening day, which is currently undergoing a major refurbishment.
Alanna, who has been working in an office job full-time while saving to set up her business, said her interest in skincare began years ago and has since become a career ambition.
She said: “I’ve always been interested in doing skin treatments and it’s something I’ve wanted to do for years.
“Since leaving school, I’ve been working full-time and saving up, and more recently I’ve been focusing on getting my training in place so I could finally start my own business.”
The new salon will specialise in advanced treatments such as microneedling, hydrofacials, chemical peels and BioRePeel, with a key focus on improving skin concerns, including acne, pigmentation and overall skin health.
Alanna said her business is centred on offering bespoke treatments tailored to each client.
She said: “What makes it different is that no two treatments are ever the same. Every facial is designed around that person’s skin and what they want to achieve, whether that’s targeting a specific concern or just maintaining a healthy, glowing look.
“I take the time to understand their skin properly so the results are more effective.”
Alanna admitted launching a business at 19 years old is “pretty nerve-wracking”.
She said: “I’m really excited about opening next week, but I am nervous as well because it’s quite scary doing something like this by yourself.
“But at the same time, it’s something I’ve wanted for a long time so I just felt like now was the right time to go for it.”
To mark the opening, the salon will offer 20 per cent off all treatments for new clients booking their first appointment.
She said: “Our treatments will be around market value, but I wanted to offer something at the beginning to make it a bit more affordable and to encourage people to come and try it. I think it’s a nice way to introduce people to what I do.”
The business is run solely by Alanna. However, the entrepreneur said she already has ambitions to expand in the future.
She said: “My goal is to build up a strong client base so I can do this full-time and leave my office job.
“Eventually I’d love to have a bigger salon, bring in more people and maybe rent out rooms so it can grow into something bigger.”
With the finishing touches now being added inside the new premises, Alanna said she is looking forward to welcoming her first clients.
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She said: “I’m decorating at the moment and getting everything ready for opening day.
“It’s all coming together now and I can’t wait to open the doors and get started.”
You can find Lana Luxxe Skin at The Ivy House, 31 Bondgate, DL3 7JJ.
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