Autumn Derry-Wright
Abi Critchley is a young woman from Cheshire who began her journey to success with a talent in art. Whilst attending secondary school Miss Critchley showed true potential within her art classes leaving school with extremely high grades. Once she left school, she knew she wanted to pursue a career as a nail technician and gained a job in a small salon in Shavington where she slowly began her journey.
After over two years of working in the salon and building a loyal client base Abi made the decision to create her own business, Abirosebeauty. This decision was made as the salon in Shavington had shutdown due to the coronavirus lockdown in 2020. Whilst not working Abi decided to put all her efforts into creating a brand for herself. Money was extremely tight as lockdown prevented people from visiting nail salons but luckily Abi had the support of her family to create a space where she could continue growing her empire once the covid restrictions had been lifted. It began remarkably close to home as the salon was built from an old shed based in her garden. She grew her business within the walls of a glamourised shed, although there had been doubts at the beginning, as to whether people would respect a business ran from a garden shed. There had been extremely slow months where it was a struggle to pay herself a liveable wage as there weren’t enough clients to cover the costs, but the business soon began to flourish until the business grew too large.
After another two years, the decisions to open her very own salon was made. Abi’s client list was growing at an extremely fast rate and luckily a salon in her local area of Nantwich became available, after countless back and forth deliberating wether, this was a smart business decision Abi took the risk and invested in herself and her ability. “Having the support and encouragement from my family was the thing that really persuaded me to take the risk, having people believe in your talent is a great feeling.” Explained Abi when asked if she had support within this stressful situation.
After a week of the Abirosebeauty salon opening, Abi decided to hire another nail technician to work alongside her, Charlotte Booth, “when Abi offered me a place working in her new salon, I felt extremely honoured. I have been working there for a year, and it was the best decision for my business.”
The salon has celebrated its 1-year anniversary and the brand Abirosebeauty is coming up to its 5th birthday. The brand has come a long way since 2020; on social media the brand has amassed over 2,000 followers and has an extensive client list with new clients having to join a waitlist. Abi has also launched her own line of cuticle oils which fit hand in hand with the services she provides. “If you would have asked me at the beginning of my journey if I would even have my own salon within 4 years I would have laughed.” Describes Abi whilst reflecting on the past 4 years. It is clear that future is very bright for Abi Critchley and her business.
