We like to think that the investments we make, whether in people or in organisations, can make a real difference. This is certainly the case for Kate Hunt and Elicia Thomas, two young entrepreneurs from Torfaen in the South Wales Valleys.

Two years ago the pair were unemployed. They shared a dream about opening a beauty salon, but didn’t know how to go about turning it into reality. Initial advice and support came from the employability team at Bron Afon Community Housing, who provided a 10 week bite size course called ‘Beauty that Works’.

Kate explains that the course, ‘was a good opportunity to learn beauty treatments in a casual setting that suited our needs.’ The housing association also helped Kate and Elicia further develop and practice their skills and supported the process of finding a venue for the new business. It was at this point Robert Owen stepped in with the offer of a low interest Start Up loan, together with the assistance they required in developing a business plan and working out the range of treatments and pricing that they offer.

Our loan, combined with a grant from the Oli Bennett Charitable Trust enabled Kate and Elicia to kit out their new premises, Close to Perfection in Trevethin, which opened its doors last week ‘It is so exciting to see our dream become a reality,’ commented Kate, ‘and to be able to do a job that we both feel passionate about.’

For more information about our start up business loans see our new Business Finance for Wales website.