Ford, Shropshire – Nichola Witcomb-Tant, the driving force behind Nichola Witcombe-Tant Beauty & Makeup, is celebrating a remarkable 15 years of success and growth in the beauty industry.
Nichola Witcomb-Tant ventured into the world of beauty therapy following a notable career shift, transitioning from her previous roles in confectionery and patisserie. Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “At the time, I was captivated by the realm of fashion. I had embarked on a fashion design degree with hopes of delving into pattern drafting. However, it soon became clear that the fashion industry wasn’t aligned with my sensibilities.”
“In my exploration,” she continued, “I became acutely aware of how the fashion and media sectors portrayed women. At that juncture, fashion designers predominantly showcased slender models, while glossy magazines frequently presented airbrushed ideals of perfection.”
Confronted by the discrepancy between these images and real women, Nichola felt compelled to foster positive transformations. “Similar to countless women, I found myself scrutinizing my reflection, comparing it to these faultless images,” she remarked. “This ignited my aspiration to work with women, to uplift their self-esteem. Simultaneously, my lifelong affinity for painting and drawing bolstered this calling.”
The fusion of her artistic inclinations and her determination to boost women’s self-confidence paved the way for her transition to beauty consultancy and makeup artistry. After her formal education, Nichola honed her makeup expertise at The Jemma Kidd School of Makeup in London. Subsequently, she gained experience in salons, all the while nurturing her vision of establishing an independent beauty studio.
This vision materialized into reality and has since flourished. Nichola’s studio, now recognized as a Gold Star Salon of Destination for consecutive years, stands as a testament to her unwavering dedication. Notably, her commitment to evolution led her to master LED Photo Dynamic Therapy, broadening her ability to offer specialized treatments catering to conditions such as Rosacea, acne, pigmentation, and sensitivity.
Turning her gaze to the future, Nichola expressed her aspirations, stating, “I intend to further concentrate on bridal skincare, extending beyond just the bride herself to encompass the mother of the bride as well. Bridal makeup hinges on the canvas of radiant, healthy skin – an aspect I’m fervently passionate about. I aspire to instill confidence and radiance in my clients through skincare.”
The 15-year milestone holds profound significance for Nichola. Reflecting on the journey, she shared, “Like many others navigating self-employment, the challenges presented by the pandemic were formidable. The abrupt transitions from thriving to complete shutdown were bewildering. My salon endured 12 months of intermittent closure during the lockdowns.”
In response, Nichola embraced innovation, revamping her salon’s appearance and launching a Facebook online salon. This digital haven offered instructional videos and beauty insights, empowering her clients to engage in DIY skincare and treatments at home. “Amid the unpredictability,” she noted, “maintaining a positive focus became pivotal. Thankfully, my business rebounded post-lockdowns.”
The year 2021-22 marked a zenith for Nichola, characterized by a surge in wedding bookings and returning clients seeking treatments. “Witnessing the resurgence of my business was genuinely incredible,” she exclaimed. “Engaging with clients and being part of their significant moments is the cornerstone of my satisfaction.”
Nichola attributes her enduring enthusiasm to her clients. “The heart of my profession lies in my clients,” she affirmed. “The rapport with my regular clients feels akin to reuniting with old friends. Moreover, contributing to a bride’s special day is an indescribable privilege. The energy surrounding weddings is exhilarating, and being a part of that joy is simply priceless.”
As she commemorates this remarkable 15-year journey, Nichola Witcomb-Tant radiates a blend of gratitude and aspiration, firmly rooted in the belief that beauty extends far beyond skin deep.