College student designs her future

Ella was inspired to start her own business, Nails by Ella, after considering her employment options and deciding she would love nothing more than for people to recognise her own work, which she felt was only possible by working on her very own clients. 

Ella studied Level 2 Nail Services at Barnsley College, and said:

“I have always enjoyed doing practical assessments and working on new clients because it’s a challenge and you have to be prepared for anything. Everyone is different and they have different nails so it really broadens my skills.  

“At first I was a little scared about pursuing my career goals and I didn’t know how to start a business but, because of the Enterprise Team, I now know exactly what I have to do and I’m so much more confident. They have helped me so much, with little things like creating a name and a Facebook business account to accessing in-depth information on how to get insurance.” 

Barnsley College’s Enterprise department is home to the iTrust initiative, a joint venture between the College, The Barnsley Chronicle and The Business Village, which supports students interested in starting up a business in Barnsley. Students who choose to receive support from iTrust, will have access to an array of information and guidance such as mentoring from industry specialists and local businesses and financial investments. 

Whilst working from home, Ella has completed multiple online courses to broaden her knowledge on a variety of treatments allowing her to provide new services to her clients. Ella has received a grant totalling £70 from iTrust which will allow her to pay for her insurance and she also has access to a further £180 throughout the academic year as she begins study of Level 2 Beauty Therapy. This will fund business requirements as and when Ella needs them.  

Jess Widdowson, Enterprise Team Leader at Barnsley College, said:

“It’s always a lovely feeling being able to support our students to open their business and for Ella, it was good for her to know that we provide support up until three years after completing her course here at College.  

“Ella is so driven and passionate about what she does and demonstrates this through the amount of additional courses she has taken to increase her skill set. I am really looking forward to working with Ella and watching her business grow and develop!”