Who are you?

Debbie Porter, owner of West End Wax & Beauty Specialists

What does your business do?

I have a Wax Specialist Salon, carrying out waxing from head to toe and all that's in between for all genders.

Where are you based?

I am based in Partick, Glasgow. I live here and when I was looking for a premises this place came up. It's perfect as I live only five minutes from my home and can see my daughters school from the shop, which is handy for when I need to drop her in/pick her up from school.

How did you get started?

I graduated from North Glasgow College last June with an HND in Beauty Therapy. Even when I was studying I went on to carry out advanced waxing courses with three of the UK's Top Wax Educators.

What is your background ?

I originally worked as a PA for an engineering firm and decided beauty was my calling. I retrained at North Glasgow College for 3 years and left with my HND in Beauty Therapy. I trained with Kim Lawless (The UK's Wax Queen) while still at college which was fantastic for me as gave me the confidence to carry out intimate waxes.

I then joined another wax-only company and they sent me to their head office for intense training before working as a Wax Therapist for them.

I suffered a double loss two years ago when my Cousin and Papa died within a few weeks of one another. It gave me a huge kick to live my life and take risks. I decided to open my own wee salon which has been running successfully for 17 months now and just recently won the Best of Glasgow Award at the Scottish Hair & Beauty Awards which is a huge achievement, especially after just 17 months and against some huge salons.

What is your top tip?

If you want to train in Waxing, please, please ensure you are going to someone who is trained in the industry, and has the qualifications and accreditations behind them to offer training.

How long has your business been running?

17 months

Has anyone helped you get started and how?

I approached Business Gateway to be told there was no funding available to me which was a huge knock, but my fiancé and I sold our car to raise the funds required to open the salon.

Who was/is your mentor/or inspiration?

My inspirations are my mentors. When I was training these are the guys who I inspire to be like one day. Kim Lawless www.kimlawless.com and Andy Rouillard www.learnmalewaxing.co.uk who are both in their own equal rights the top and best Wax Educators in the UK.

Where do you plan your business to be in five years time?

I plan to have a bigger salon still in the West End, and aim to be the best in Scotland, not just Glasgow. We are currently looking for another waxing specialist to join the team now and I hope to grow the number of staff even further in future.

Useful contacts Training in Female/Male Waxing please contact Kim Lawless and/or Andy Rouillard (for male) www.kimlawless.com or www.learnmalewaxing.co.uk.

Contact Details Debbie Porter, West End Wax & Beauty Specialists, 367 Dumbarton Rd, Glasgow G11 6BA email : info@westendwaxandbeauty.co.uk or call 0141 237 1778.