A mum who started her own beauty business when she was just 20, has moved her clinic to new premises after demand soared for one particular treatment loved by scousers.
Frances Williams has spent the last few years juggling being a single mum with running her own business after demand for laser hair removal grew so big she had to take on more staff and invest in more equipment.
The 37-year-old told the ECHO how she started out aged 20, under the name 'The Place For Beauty’ before changing it to Skin Survival 10 years ago. She was initially going to start up with a friend, who backed out before they set up the business.
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Frances said: “I just decided to set it up alone. Now loads of girls work for themselves at a young age, but back then no one was doing it. My dad owned his own business and my brother works for himself so I’ve come from a family that’s supportive of that. Nothing phases me. I just don’t think about it.”
Frances spent years working as a nail technician in a clinic near Eaton Road and decided to invest in a laser hair removal machine to help grow the business - but it didn’t come cheap. She said: “Because I was a nail technician I used to be sat at the desk all day and thought I need to make money a bit faster. I knew laser was more of an expensive treatment and back then there were only a couple of salons doing it.
“My dad was shocked that I wanted to do it because of the price of the machines - they were £72,000 then. But I was determined to do it and I had to put my house up against it, so it’s a good job it paid off.”
After doing extensive research on the best equipment, Frances bought her first machine and then began the process of getting the word out there.
“I’d literally walk around posting leaflets myself on foot, but the biggest thing was social media and I already had passing trade. Within two years the machine was fully booked", she said. “First it was just me doing it a couple of days a week, then Karen [who manages Skin Survival] would do it another two days.”
All was going well until the team were suddenly forced to close. Frances said: “I invested another £100,000 in a new machine in March 2020, and then we went into lockdown. So that was initially really stressful, but then that first lockdown ended up being what changed the business.
“I think because a lot of people were on furlough and weren’t spending money on holidays and going out, when we reopened they had the funds saved up [for laser hair removal].”
Frances took on two more technicians to keep up with demand and bought another machine. She said: “I couldn’t keep up with it.”
The team has now moved to a chic new premises on Eaton Road to suit the needs of the growing business. Meanwhile Frances has more changes to come, as she’s expecting another girl, due in July, with partner Adam. She said: “I met Adam in 2020 and he’s really supportive. I’ve had the business for so many years before I met him, so he knows this is my thing.
“Now I’ve got this new place my goal is to make it as successful as it can be and open a training school with Karen, to train people in laser hair removal and skin rejuvenation. I’ve just trained in semi permanent make up as well because I still like to add strings to my bow.
“I did overspend on this so I feel pressure from that when the bills are coming in, but I needed it to look the way it does. But I don’t really get overwhelmed or feel like anything’s a big challenge - I’m just dead laid back and chilled and maybe that’s the best way to be.”
What having laser hair removal is really like
The team at Skin Survival provides a consultation for anyone who’s considering laser hair removal. Frances said: “This will be with me or Karen because we’ve been doing it the longest. Most people who come through the door have made their mind up. Sometimes these consultations are 45 minutes long because we go through everything and just take our time.”
Before undergoing a course of treatment a patch test will be done to ensure there’s no reaction. The treatment is a way of slowing down hair growth and making it less visible, giving longer lasting results than waxing or shaving.
Described as a ‘lunch break’ treatment, a session of laser hair removal on the legs takes around 30 minutes from start to finish. A cold gel is applied and then the laser is rubbed over the skin in smooth sweeping motions to target the hair follicles. It’s a painless treatment, though it can cause a slight warming sensation, which stops when the laser is moved away from the skin.
Once complete, any excess gel can be tissued away and a full set of aftercare instructions are provided, with people advised to avoid direct sunlight on the area for a week. To find out more visit Skin Survival.
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