A SOUTHAMPTON mum who dreamt of owning her own beauty salon is finally opening up for business. 

Beauty therapist Laura Bevan opened her first salon in 2011, but due to financial issues in the family, the 34-year-old had to close and relocate. 

Just when she thouught business would take off, the Covid pandemic threw a spanner in the works. 

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Laura told the Daily Echo: "Lockdown was a very surreal situation that brought a mixture of varying emotions. The joy of spending time together as a family and supporting each other whilst trying to maintain an income

"I was providing treatments to my clients from home, which was very challenging." 

On top of dealing with the financial pressures brought on by the pandemic, Laura was also diagnosed with endometriosis. 

She added: "About 16 months ago, I was diagnosed, and it just keeps getting worse and worse. Doctors found out that I have a cyst and in the next few weeks I will have an operation.

"When I am suffering extreme fatigue with symptoms, I have to go with what my body is feeling and often it involves resting, but when symptoms are not so overwhelming, remaining active and engaging in things that I enjoy really helps.

Overcoming her health and financial challenges wasn't easy. However, some good news left her feeling at ease. 

With the help of a friend, Laura is hoping to open up a brow bar in a hair salon in Chandler's Ford. 

She added: "I am now very excited to be opening a Brow Bar within Scarlet Ribbons hairdressers. Ten years on from the date of opening my first salon and I hope it's the final location.

"I can't wait to have some satisfied customers, put some smiles back on their faces and obsess over eyebrows once more.

"People are still anxious about going out, but I will hopefully be able to continue working with my clients there and look forward to welcoming new clients in the future." 

Laura also writes children's books, and to keep busy during lockdown, she published 'Come on Little Duck!' which went on to be exhibited at the 2022 London Book Fair.

"I had spare time during the lockdown where I used my evening to sit and write. The writing helped me mentally cope too," she said.

"My next book is dedicated to my son Jake, and I am really excited about publishing it." 

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