An Aberdeen hair and beauty salon has nearly trebled its projected takings in its first 10 months and is on course for maiden year turnover of £500,000.
Jennifer Linton, 26, and Joanna Macdonald, 30, launched upmarket hairdressing business Linton & Mac (L&M) in the city’s Netherkirkgate last September.
They already have more than 3,000 regular clients and are taking in £2,000 a day on average, which is considerably more than the £700 they had expected at start-up.
The fledgling business has also created 21 jobs at a time when the local economy is reeling from the slump in oil prices.
L&M has also enjoyed success on the awards front, picking up a total of six business and industry accolades.
Its growing list of prestigious honours includes a gong for most promising new business at the recent Elevator Awards.
Ms Linton, said: “Taking the leap was the hardest decision for us, especially in this difficult climate.
“The past 10 months have been a whirlwind and proved that if you have the right offering in place, along with sheer determination, you can really make it work.
“Not only is it a difficult climate in the north-east, but the hairdressing market is also a very competitive one. We knew our business plan had to be absolutely sound.
“We’ve acquired a great deal of business acumen since launching, and I’m certain we will continue to learn new skills and further develop into successful businesswomen.”
The entrepreneurial duo have already teamed up with big industry names such as Sophia Hilton, Alan and Reece Beake and London salon Windle and Moodie to host special events and workshops in the north-east.
Their Royal Bank of Scotland relationship manager, Neal Rane, described the pair as “role models for all young entrepreneurs wishing to start up a business”.