Beautician turned businesswoman launches new training academy

A Thornton entreprneur who built up a successful beauty business has launched a training academy to help others follow in her footsteps.

Lisa Gallagher opened her nail salon 15 years ago with just a bank loan and no clients. Today she has a team of 11 and her salon serves customers and nail techs alike who travel from across the North West.

She also has experience of fighting back from the brink. Three years ago, work stress and pressure almost forced the mum-of-two to close the business.

Now she has launched the Lisa Gallagher Academy (LGA), a training company which uses personal development and professional coaching to help other business owners and entrepreneurs achieve long-term success.

She is offering coaching alongside Kim Calvert, the mentor who helped her rebuild her brand, and other industry experts for a range of specialist beauty and business courses.

Lisa said: “Unlike traditional academies, we're not just about imparting knowledge; we're about empowering people to thrive both professionally and personally.

“With the right mindset you can navigate the everyday challenges and develop a successful long-term strategy, successfully lead others and confidently attract the right people, resources and opportunities, and ultimately really enjoy what you do.

“Running a business can be really hard, it can take a lot out of you and it hurts when things start to go against you, as it always does at some point.

“Getting up and going again takes grit and determination, it takes self-confidence, belief, and the right mindset. Helping people to find that is what the LGA is all about.”

With 27 years’ experience in the beauty industry, Lisa will offer a number of courses focusing on these skills including nails, lashes, brows and skincare.

But her professional and professional development courses will have a broader appeal and will be relevant to anyone who already runs a business or intends to start one.

Lisa added: “These skills are vital to anyone running a business, from a shop to a bar to a salon to a professional services company, at any stage of their journey. Personal development and mindset are the key to any business growth, and we want to offer that learning and support for others in this area.”

In addition to the masterclasses and workshop - which also provide access to resources and ongoing guidance - the academy will also host regular Q&A sessions with industry experts, networking events, and free career development and business coaching open evenings every Wednesday.