A salon owner has described the launch of her second business as a "huge milestone" after opening a new premises in Darlington.
Cheryl Balcombe, owner of Clique, has expanded the business three years after opening its first salon in Newton Aycliffe.
Speaking about the opening, Cheryl said creating the right atmosphere was a priority.
She said: "Opening Clique Darlington is a huge milestone for me after opening our first salon in Newton Aycliffe three years ago.
"The biggest thing for me with Clique is the feeling of the salon. I wanted to create somewhere beautiful and high-end, but without that intimidating, almost clinical salon atmosphere.
"Somewhere clients instantly feel comfortable, the team genuinely support each other and there's no competition or hierarchy. Everyone is part of the same Clique."
Cheryl said she was especially proud of transforming the previously empty building.
She said: "We've transformed an empty unit into a space with so much personality and warmth, and seeing it now full of people is probably the part I'm most proud of."
Cheryl and her team held the opening night on Friday, September 11.
The expansion is the latest step in Clique’s growth, building on the success of its Newton Aycliffe salon.
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The new Darlington salon offers hair, colour and beauty treatments and is a L'Oréal and Kérastase salon.
Clique was shortlisted for The Northern Echo's Best Hairdresser award in 2024 before winning the title in 2025 and 2026.
The Newton Aycliffe hybrid salon combines self-employed and employed stylists, with eight others working alongside Cheryl.
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