A 21-YEAR-OLD hair stylist is setting out on her very first business venture as she prepares to open a new salon in Barrow with her mother.

Freya Davenport will open the doors of Sassi in Allison Street, to customers on Tuesday, offering a selection of haircut styles, blow drys and manicures.

She has teamed up with her mother, Jackie, who owns Capital D in Market Street, Dalton, and the pair hope to make their mark in the hairdressing and beauty market in Furness.

Miss Davenport, who trained for her NVQs at Furness College, wants to put customer service at the centre of her new business.

She said: "I have so much passion for what I do. I have all these ideas in my head.
"When working for somebody else you have to respect what they want to do it but now I'm in control and I can do it myself.

"Customer service is a big thing. I did a customer service course along with my Level Three NVQ and that's given me an insight into how to promote the business.

"It's just exciting. We just can't wait."

Exciting plans

Miss Davenport started hairdressing at the age of 16 and took up an opportunity to gain experience at a family friend's salon in Leeds before training to become a hairdresser.

The Dalton resident hopes to set up regular social events, a drinks menu and offer affordable hairstyles for men, women and children.  

Sassi has been closed down for around two years and the Davenports have taken over ownership of the premises, giving the salon an ultra modern makeover, with bright red fittings and furnishings.

New venture

Jackie Davenport, who has been running Capital D for three years, says she is proud of her daughter for taking on the challenge.

She said: "She already has got a good reputation so she's ready to go.

"Freya has the creative side covered and the business side is where I come in. 

"Every salon wants their customers to feel special. They are spending a lot of money so they need to have an experience - that's what will set us apart."