Two Charminster businesses scoop business awards
HI Therapies Beauty Salon and Head 2 Toe Security in Charminster, Bournemouth, Dorset have both taken home two awards at the Venus Awards Dorset 2013. HI Therapies Founder and Director Jemma Cooper collected the New Business Award, while Head 2 Toe Security’s Lesley Stephenson was presented the Online Business Award on 5 June at the Bournemouth Pavilion. The Venus Awards aims to inspire business women and increase their profile throughout their local communities.
When she was just 23, Jemma Cooper purchased the loss-making salon, Visage. She rebranded it, and within a year had doubled the turnover. That was 18 months ago and HI Therapies has since greatly increased its range of services and number of customers. The judges recognised Jemma’s passion and dedication as a business owner and her natural business acumen.
Lesley Stephenson of Head 2 Toe Security was commended for her successful online business which sells equipment and clothing to the security industry. Lesley started selling online six years ago and has since expanded into a second retail unit to accommodate workwear and catering ranges.
Jemma Cooper says: “On the day I opened the salon we took just £7.50 and I thought “What have I let myself in for?” I’ve had to deal with issues such as the boiler breaking and the roof leaking, and I’ve taken risks such as spending £10,000 on new equipment in the first year. Since then the business has gone from strength to strength, but that has been down to a great team and collective blood, sweat and tears. To win this award has been a dream come true and shows what someone can achieve, even at the ripe old age of 24.”
Lesley Stephenson says:”Behind any successful online business is hard graft and dedication to customer service. I feel I’ve achieved this by being the best in a niche market and meeting high customer expectations. For two Charminster businesses to both win awards across the Dorset region helps put the area on the map and lets customers know where to come for a great retail experience.”
