10 of the best Cheshire women in business to make you look and feel great

Great British Life: Hannah MasseyHannah Massey (Image: Archant)

HANNAH MASSEY

Owner / Designer of made-tomeasure bridal and ladies occasion-wear Hannah Charlotte Bespoke

What's special about your business?

Whether its a head turning look for a special occasion or your dream bridal gown, I provide a creative process to which the high street retailer can not compare. In a relaxed environment clients sit down to pick from the extensive fabric and lace catalogues, every design is carefully thought out making it as individual and unique as the client. I pride myself on everything being tailor made on site here in my Marple studio.

What do you love about your job?

I love making other women feel their best, there is nothing more satisfying than to see the lady you made that unique dress for sharing a picture of herself standing out from the crowd feeling confident and beautiful at her special event. I also feel very blessed to be able to work with beautiful fabrics and embellishments everyday!

If you could go back and tell your 13 year-old self something, what would it be?

Believe in yourself! I have never been particularly academic and I never thrived in exams! I realise now this wasn't any reflection on my skills and abilities in other areas. In business, people skills, project management and financial awareness have proved far more important. So I would say keep working hard, concentrate on what you're great at and passionate about and everything else will fall in to place.

85 Stockport Road, Marple, Stockport, SK6 6AA, 0161 449 9344, Hannahcharlottebespoke.com

Great British Life: Christine ColbertChristine Colbert (Image: Archant)

CHRISTINE COLBERT

Owner Dress, the dress agency of Cheshire

What's special about your business?

Dress is a little shop with a big idea; to bring savvy shopping to fashion lovers. It combines classic dress agency and charity shop business models into one with a unique difference; people buy pre-loved designer items at a fraction of their original price in a luxury boutique setting, while sellers see a return on their investment by recycling them. It's a really sustainable business model. Sale proceeds from designer clothes, handbags, shoes and accessories are split with the seller and we also support two good causes, either by allocating small amounts from the sale of some items or donating unsold items to our charity shop partner.

What's your best piece of business advice?

Learn how to say 'no', because not all clients are right for you or your business. It's important to listen to feedback and learn from it, but it's also easy to be side-tracked by customer demands.

What do you love about your job?

As a fashion lover and savvy shopper, I enjoy enabling others to dress in style for less whilst recycling and giving something back. For me, it's the kind of idea that makes the fashion world go round.

St James House, New Road, Prestbury, SK10 4HP 01625 820000, dresscheshire.com

Great British Life: Maria MorrisMaria Morris (Image: Archant)

MARIA MORRIS

Owner and Designer Maria Morris Couture

What's special about your business?

Creating my own couture clothing label was always my dream. I spent years working for other designers, but always wanted to design my own looks that would flatter all women. Every single piece is made in our own workrooms, and can be individually tailored to work for any age and any dress size. Being able to be truly inclusive feels very special.

What do you love about your job?

I love the creativity of my job, and knowing that the right design can give someone confidence. Great clothes don't only need to look good, they should make you feel amazing too. I also love being able to give a personal service that will highlight everyone's best features that ensures our clients look like the very best versions of themselves.

What keeps you focused?

Being chosen to create clothes for weddings, christenings and other special occasions is a huge honour and the responsibility to make it perfect always keeps me focused. I love knowing that my designs are worn for the happiest days of our lives, and that I'm playing a small part in creating precious memories that will last forever.

4-6 Buxton Street, Gatley, Cheadle, Cheshire SK8 4NW, 0161 491 6541, mariamorris.co.uk

Great British Life: Dt Nyla RajaDt Nyla Raja (Image: Archant)

DR NYLA RAJA

Managing Director Medispa Cheshire

What's special about your business?

We are the biggest cosmetic clinic outside of London. We are always the first and at the forefront of bringing new technologies and medical advancements to our state of the art premises. There is no other clinic like ours. The doctors, nurses and aestheticians have worked together for over 12 years, we all share a common goal which is the care of our patients. We all strive for perfection.

What do you love about your job?

I form such a close bond with my patients. They delve into their deepest and most vulnerable insecurities and worries with me. We go through a journey together every step of the way. There is nothing that gives me greater satisfaction than seeing how each and every patient grows in both inner and outer beauty.

What keeps you focused?

My patients keep me focused. I am very results-driven and extremely passionate about what I do and the end results will reflect this. If you look better, you feel better. Our primary focus is on our patients and for us to deliver the best possible results, with the least downtime and the best value for money.

Castle Rock, Wilmslow Road, Alderley Edge, SK9 7QL, 01625 523307, doctornyla.com

Great British Life: Louise FudgeLouise Fudge (Image: Archant)

LOUISE FUDGE

Director Louise Fudge Hairdressing

What's special about your business?

We are a forward-thinking hair salon specialising in bespoke hair colour. I opened my first salon in Cheshire and have since expanded to the Wirral, in Heswall. Our guests travel to us from all over the country for our bespoke colour services. I pride myself in using the highest quality products on the market - we stock the full range of Olaplex and Redken is our go-to for custom colour.

What's your best piece of business advice?

The key to loving your job and being successful is to always surround yourself with good people, and never stop educating yourself and your team. Also, you must trust your gut instinct - if something feels wrong then chances are it will be. Finally, never compromise on quality; if you buy cheap, then chances are you'll have to buy twice!

What do you love about your job?

I love creating bespoke colour for our guests; having been a client before I chose to do hairdressing, I understand their needs and teach my team to do the same. I make sure I educate my team both personally and we go on many courses at the L'Oreal academy in Manchester. I travelled the world before I got into hairdressing and understand the importance of travelling to motivate my staff and stimulate their creativity. I plan lots of trips to enhance our education, our last one was to Las Vegas to learn from Redken artists.

66 Telegraph Road, Heswall and 442 Chester Road Little Sutton (Heswall - 0151 3427272, Little Sutton - 0151 3395111), louisefudgehairdressing.com

Great British Life: Kathryn BarrKathryn Barr (Image: Archant)

KATHRYN BARR

Owner The Lingerie Room

What's special about your business?

We are passionate about what we do and who we do it for. Lingerie buying isn't quite like buying a pair of shoes, so it's important to give everyone who walks through the door a warm welcome. We work closely with our customers to ensure we find something that suits their shape and fits correctly. With so many styles and sizes to choose from, it can be a bit overwhelming and hard for someone to get the right fit themselves and that's why they come to us. Our customers know they can trust us to get it right for them, as we understand it's not about size, it's about the fit. Ultimately, we focus on customer service and experience, quality and fit. We want our customers to look forward to shopping with us time and time again.

What do you love about your job?

Our customers, the products and people we work with and that moment when you see one of your customers look in the mirror and smile at themselves because they like what they see.

How do you unwind?

Generally, with a nice glass of wine and a Netflix movie or by catching up with family and friends. I also try to get in the gym and spend time with my horses.

13 Faulkner Street, Chester CH2 3BD, 01244 347088, coco-bella.co.uk

Great British Life: Karen FirkinsKaren Firkins (Image: Archant)

KAREN FIRKINS RGN, INP

Clinical Director/Nurse Prescriber Klass Aesthetics

What's special about your business?

After working for many years as a theatre recovery nurse, I decided to form my own Aesthetics business when there were few in existence in the UK and I am proud to say that I still work alone and personally perform every treatment. In both Cheshire and south Wales, patients receive one to one dedicated care, from the consultation through to after care.

What do you love about your job?

My job brings great pleasure as I get to meet many lovely people and I'm very privileged to be able to assist them on their journey. I love getting to know my patients during the holistic consultation process, understanding their concerns and expectations. I am passionate about providing my patients with as much information as possible to enable them to make informed choices. To see a patient overwhelmed with the naturally looking results of a treatment gives me complete job satisfaction.

How do you unwind?

I like listening to music, taking my dogs for a walk, having a meal with my nearest and dearest or just laying quietly meditating to restore balance, a fantastic way to relax your mind and body.

The Firs, Delph Lane, Daresbury, Cheshire WA4 4AN 07970 660036

Great British Life: Emma MulvihillEmma Mulvihill (Image: Archant)

EMMA MULVIHILL

Founder and Director The Scissor Psychologist

What's the best piece of business advice you've been given?

Look after your clients and they will look after you by staying loyal. Customer service is so important to achieving success but if you're passionate about what you do then this comes naturally. Every stylist in our team loves what they do and it's evident in the customer feedback we receive on a daily basis. We are building a strong business and brand by working together and financial success has followed as a result.

What do you love about your job?

I love making people feel good about themselves. The satisfaction that someone has come to us, had a great experience and walked out of the door looking fantastic and the confidence that comes with it, that never gets old.

What keeps you focused?

I work hard for my family. Upholding the reputation of the business means so much more when it's your name above the door. I think the investment in keeping up with the latest training, trends and techniques has been invaluable. The more we can offer, the more we can give.

Green Lake Barns, Green Lake Lane, Aldford, Cheshire CH3 6HW Frog Lane, Tattenhall, CH3 9DN, 07889 249349 / 01244 956819, thescissorpsychologist.co.ukuk

Great British Life: Alicia Peacock and Jacqui BakerAlicia Peacock and Jacqui Baker (Image: Archant)

JACQUI BAKER AND ALICIA PEACOCK

Owners Tabernam

What's special about your business?

Working with local, up-and-coming independent businesses to create a vibrant and sustainable local business community. We have recently had the pleasure of supporting and launching new, local designers such as Love From Hermione, Lyla Wilde and Kauf Studios. We love supporting them and watching them grow.

What's your best piece of business advice?

To be unique. We strive to provide a unique service to our clients from our refreshingly different, comfortable boutique surroundings. We pride ourselves on providing the highest levels of personal service and focusing on the client's needs. We regularly provide home visits and it is not unusual to dash out and drive a few outfits round to a client who is struggling to find the right piece for a special night out!

What keeps you focused?

Constantly trying to find new, exciting brands and unique pieces to ensure our clients stand out and feel great about themselves.

58 High Street, Tarporley, CW6 0AG, 01829 732 111, @tabernam_tarporley

Great British Life: Verity SmithVerity Smith (Image: Archant)

VERITY SMITH M.D.

The Wide Welly Company

What's special about your business?

Every business is special. But for me it's the fact I oversee production of my own product and run the Q.C. team to ensure that output matches specification! I feel I utterly "own" what I sell.

What do you love about your job?

Do I have a job? Not in the traditional sense. I'm ridiculously passionate about manufacturing and product development driven by collating and listening to customer feedback. I do love hearing from customers, many of whom have hand written letters to me since I started!

How do you unwind?

Oh, that's easy. Eating and drinking! As a family, we love cooking and entertaining. Saturday starts with a visit to Muff's in Bromborough; the bar then opens at home at around lunch time; we pretty much cook for most of the day! We have friends that we see most weekends either on a Saturday night or for Sunday roast. I don't really know what more there is to life other than family, food, friends and wine around a huge table. Simple!

Oaktree Court Business Centre, Mill Lane, Little Ness, Cheshire, CH64 8TP 07836243779, thewidewellycompany.co.uk