A small salon in Burnley, where a mother is keeping a seat for her daughter to join after college, has reached the final stage in the Lancashire Telegraph’s ‘Best Beauty Salon 2024’ competition.
LMN Hair and Beauty, located on Hollingreave Road, Burnley, opened its doors in 2019, fulfilling a long-held ambition for owner Nicola Duckworth. Having initially worked in the care sector, Nicola had always dreamed of transitioning into the beauty industry but faced challenges after leaving school. Now, years later, she owns her own salon and is paving the way for her daughter Lexi, who shares a passion for beauty, particularly in nail care.
Nicola shared her excitement at being shortlisted for the prestigious award, saying, “I’m overwhelmed with pride. Starting this salon just before the Covid pandemic and seeing it flourish over the last five years has been incredible. Being recognized like this—reaching the top 10 and potentially winning—feels like a dream come true.”
Reflecting on the journey, she added, “I hadn’t fully realized how many people we serve and the impact we’ve had. When I found out, I was speechless—which anyone who knows me will tell you is a rarity!”
LMN Hair and Beauty is very much a family business. The salon’s name, LMN, represents the initials of Nicola and her two daughters. Lexi, who is 15, currently assists at the salon on Saturdays, tending to her own clients and practicing blow-drying techniques. While Nicola focuses primarily on hair services, Lexi is keen on nails and is already undergoing training, with plans to attend hair college next year.
Customers praise Nicola for her dedication and the warm, personal atmosphere she fosters. Notably, Nicola collaborates with a mental health home, offering haircuts as well as lash and brow treatments, extending her services to those in need.
The salon’s cozy, two-chair setup allows for a more intimate experience, which Nicola believes is part of the salon’s appeal. “With only two chairs, it’s quieter and more personal. You can spend quality, one-on-one time with clients, and that’s what many people appreciate. When you work in beauty, you’re not just a stylist or therapist—you’re a counselor, a teacher, and sometimes even a friend,” she explained.
Nicola’s journey into the beauty industry wasn’t straightforward. She spent much of her working life in housekeeping at a care home but never lost sight of her passion for hair and beauty. Eventually, she returned to college to gain her Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications. After completing several beauty courses through colleges and training academies, she finally realized her dream by opening LMN Hair and Beauty just months before the pandemic.
Looking back, Nicola reflected, “For eight years before opening the salon, I often sat at work wondering what I really wanted to do with my life. I always knew deep down that hair and beauty was my calling.”
Now, as a finalist for the ‘Best Beauty Salon 2024’ title, Nicola’s perseverance is being recognized. The competition, run by the Lancashire Telegraph, invites readers to vote for their favorite salon between Monday, September 30, and Saturday, October 12, by picking up a copy of the newspaper.
Nicola’s journey from care work to beauty salon ownership is one of passion, determination, and family support. As she awaits the results of the competition, Nicola continues to focus on growing her business and preparing for the day when her daughter will join her at LMN Hair and Beauty, carrying the family tradition forward.
