Deanne Jenkyns decided to go self-employed after taking a course at South Tyneside College.

And despite the financial pressures created by the credit crunch, her new business venture, employing three staff, is looking set to prove a winner.

Mrs Jenkyns opened Tips-to-Toes Hair and Beauty Lounge in South Shields two weeks ago.

The Dean Road business found itself fully booked last weekend, and Mrs Jenkyns is hoping that is a sign of things to come.

The 41-year-old said: "I was nervous about launching the business, but now it's up and running, I wish I had made the decision years ago.

"I would strongly advise anyone else considering self-employment to just go for it."

Despite being a first-time businesswoman, Mrs Jenkyns was not a complete commercial novice as she had worked as company secretary for years for Elite Cleaning, a firm run by her husband Jimmy.

But after completing courses on nail care and beauty, Mrs Jenkyns decided it was time to try something new.

"I secured a loan, and we basically gutted the shop premises, with the work taking about three months," she said.

"Customers have been very impressed with the interior, so all the money and effort has paid off.

"Hopefully, we will have the scope to take more people on as the business progresses."

Besides offering a full range of beauty treatments – including facials, pedicures, aromatherapy and massages – the new salon has joined forces with Absolute Image to provide additional botox and dermal filling services.

Mrs Jenkyns added: "Despite the credit crunch, I think both men and women still like to look their best.

"We were fully booked last Saturday, and many of our customers are arriving via word-of-mouth recommendations."

For further details, call Mrs Jenkyns on 421 0395.