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Stanley businesswoman is a cut above the rest

A local entrepreneur is celebrating after recently opening her second business less than a year after starting up her first.

Elizabeth Cajiao of Stanley set up Jake’s Barbers last July, and has now expanded into the salon market with Jake’s Hairdressers. An increasing client base and a high level staff appointment prompted her to open the second business.

Elizabeth said: “I was looking for new staff for Jake’s Barbers and I took on Denise Anderson, a former manageress of one of the larger hairdressing salons in town.

“At the same time, the premises next door to my business came on the market. Denise’s experience in salon management, combined with more of a demand for my services meant I was able to take on the property and open a hairdressing salon to complement my barbershop.

“At the moment, Denise handles the day to day running of Jake’s Hairdressers, whilst I take care of Jake’s Barbers. I come in to pay the bills and everyone’s wages and make sure things are running smoothly. So far, I’ve been very happy with what we’ve been able to achieve.”

Elizabeth received advice and support from Be Enterprising, County Durham’s Local Enterprise Growth Initiative, as well as £2,800 to get Jake’s Hairdressers started. Jake’s Barbers was created after her maternity leave was at an end, and Be Enterprising supported her then with £1,500.

Be Enterprising coach John Marshall said: “Becoming a parent and an entrepreneur are both tough jobs. Combining the two is not an easy task but Elizabeth has managed it really well. I’ve got every confidence that Jake’s Hairdressers will be just as successful as Jake’s Barbers.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .