Portable Salon - Made in Doncaster

Julia Reddy with her portable salon

A business idea pitched at a Doncaster College enterprise event has taken off internationally.

Former hair and beauty student Julia Reddy returned to the College in March 2007 to pitch her idea of a Portable Salon to business experts from across the region at the Enterprise Stars event – the College’s version of BBC’s Dragon’s Den.

The College is celebrating Julia’s achievement during National Enterprise Week (November 17-23).

Julia, 33, of Edenthorpe, was a student at the College’s Church View campus 17 years ago and even won the prestigious Student of the Year award during her studies there.

After leaving College to teach and work in salons in the area, Julia found that there would be a market for a portable salon.

She said: “I had an idea but didn’t really know how to take it forward and then I heard about the Enterprise Stars event at the College. I only had a couple of days to prepare myself for the pitch and went into it very nervous. But the next day I had a phonecall from Paul Gregory at Smith Craven who was very interested in the product.

“Smith Craven, as well as Doncaster Chamber, Business Link and Success Doncaster, have introduced me to so many people and they have really helped my business take off.”

The portable salon consists of a height-adjustable mirror, an anti-static floor mat and an aluminium folding lightweight chair – all packaged neatly in a compact, lightweight carry case with shoulder strap. This is the only product of its kind in the country, designed specifically for the freelance hairdresser.

Kelvin Fitton, director at Smith Craven accountants, said: “As an accountant it is great to follow and help someone from an original idea to making their first sales.

“The path is never straight forward and a lot of obstacles have had to be overcome but Julia is now on course to make a real success of her business.”

Julia Reddy (standing) shows off her portable salon to a college student

Julia’s business – Julia Elizabeth Ltd – is growing rapidly and units have been sold throughout Britain and now has opportunities to export around the globe.

“It’s going really well”, she added. “Since the Enterprise Stars event I have learned so much. I have the confidence to talk to wholesalers and businesses and sell my product internationally. And now I’m going back into the classroom talking to students about freelance hairdressing and promoting my product.

“Life is great at the moment – it’s never dull juggling a new business venture, still hairdressing two days a week and taking care of my two young children. I absolutely love it.

“I would like to thank Kelvin Fitton and Paul Gregory at Smith Craven, Karen Roe at JMS and Steve Bradley of Success Doncaster.”

Julia is now attending events across the country promoting the product and has recently returned from a three-day stint at the Salon International event in London – the biggest UK hairdressing event. Large companies have supported the product by plugging it on their live shows.

To find out more about Julia’s business, visit http://www.portablesalon.com/

As well as hosting many Enterprise Stars events, Doncaster College runs a host of business-based courses from its Hub and High Melton campuses. Further details are available by calling 0800 358 7575 or visiting http://www.don.ac.uk/

Updated 17/11/08