Lisa Pervizaj, a dedicated hairdresser with over 30 years of experience, has long dreamed of opening her own salon. Having worked both as a mobile hairdresser and in local salons, with brief stints in hospitality and retail, hairdressing has always remained her true passion. With her children now grown and more time available, Lisa seized the opportunity to transform her garage extension into a self-contained hair salon.

To support her journey, Lisa joined the Help into Mentoring Programme, delivered through the Skills & Enterprise Programme and hosted by Cumbria Chamber of Commerce. Through this, she received tailored business mentoring from Justine Douglas, who helped her develop a robust business plan. Lisa shared, “The support received from my mentor has been vital to get the business ready for opening. The development of the Business Plan has given me a sense of direction.”

As part of the mentoring support, Lisa was referred to the Employability Fund, which assists residents facing financial barriers on their path to employment or enterprise. Lisa received funding to purchase a Back Wash Sink Unit—an essential component for her salon, enabling her to deliver professional hair treatments with comfort and quality.

Lisa explained, “The new sink unit is a vital part of the day-to-day operations of the business. I’m extremely grateful for the support from the Employability Fund. The funding has helped with set-up costs towards my business.” The ergonomic design of the unit not only enhances the client experience but also reduces physical strain for Lisa, supporting her long-term wellbeing.

Lisa’s story is a testament to how targeted support and mentoring can empower individuals to turn lifelong passions into sustainable businesses.