Case study
Bare Beauty Academy, a beauty business based in Eastbourne, East Sussex, is embarking on an exciting new chapter.
| Region/Nation | South East |
|---|---|
| Sector | Consumer Goods & Services |
| Programme | Community Enable Funding Programme |
| Partner |
Founded and led by 26-year-old sole trader Holly Foster, the business has secured a £25,001 loan from Let’s Do Business Finance through the Community ENABLE Funding (CEF) programme, supported by the Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS) to support its expansion into larger premises.
Holly launched her nail and lash beauty business, Bare Beauty, as a sole trader in 2021.
With over five years of hands-on experience in eyelash extensions, gel manicures, and a range of beauty treatments, she has successfully operated from a rented office space.
Now, Holly is set to expand her enterprise with a move to a dedicated salon setup and the launch of Bare Beauty Academy, a fully accredited training facility for aspiring beauty professionals.
An important milestone for Holly came through a partnership with Let’s Do Business Finance, which facilitated a £25,001 loan through the Community Enable Funding (CEF) programme, supported by the Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS).
Unlike previous financial efforts focused on day-to-day operations, this funding represented a strategic investment in long-term growth, providing the capital needed to transform Holly’s vision of a fully operational beauty and training hub to life.
This funding has been a game-changer for Bare Beauty Academy. It’s allowed me to take a big step forward, not just in growing the business, but in creating a space where others can thrive too.
The support from Let’s Do Business Finance helped turn my vision into reality.
- Holly Foster Founder / Bare Beauty
The loan is supporting several essential areas of the expansion, including store setup costs, marketing campaigns, training materials, and working capital to ease the transition period.
The new premises, formerly a hair salon, has enabled Holly to employ a new hairstylist that wants to grow her career and that will help extend the customer base, while also creating four new self-employed positions.
This expansion increases Bare Beauty Academy’s service capacity and also contributes to local employment.
The business will operate on a flexible, commission-based model, supporting sustainable growth and a collaborative environment for all practitioners involved.
Holly’s preparation and clear sense of direction made the process incredibly smooth.
She had a precise understanding of what the funding was for, and that focus enabled us to move quickly in supporting a business that’s not only growing but actively creating new opportunities in the local community.
Holly’s marketing plan showed real foresight - not just in reaching new clients, but in building lasting community connections.
Her multi-channel approach gave us confidence that the business will grow not only through strong service delivery, but also through smart, targeted outreach.
- Elaine Robinson Business Finance Manager / Let's Do Business Finance
Bare Beauty Academy will operate six days a week, delivering comprehensive, accredited courses focused on nail and eyelash techniques.
Holly will personally oversee training programmes personally, ensuring high standards while managing client bookings and day-today operations.
The salon will feature dedicated areas for client treatments and training sessions, creating a professional and supportive environment for both students and customers.
The funding will also help in delivering Holly’s marketing plans through a multi-channel marketing approach, including updating the Bare Beauty Academy website with course details and booking software, increasing social media activity, running local advertising campaigns and collaborating with beauty influencers and nearby businesses.
Bare Beauty Academy stands as a shining example of entrepreneurial spirit and community investment in Eastbourne’s growing beauty sector, ready to offer exceptional services and career opportunities for the future.
Supporting entrepreneurs like Holly through the Community ENABLE Funding Programme, backed by the Growth Guarantee Scheme, helps foster innovation and job creation locally, while contributing to skills development in the beauty sector, an increasingly important part of the UK economy.
- Oliver Pollard Associate Director, Origination & Relationship Management / British Business Bank
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