TWO Worcestershire entrepreneurs are hoping to be a cut above the rest after the launch of their new-look hair and beauty salon where they both used to work. Businesswomen Lauren Alekna and Stacey Tudor took over Redditch-based Legends Hair & Beauty and celebrated their six-figure investment with a glitzy launch party. More than 70 guests flocked to the salon’s official opening night where they were treated to a red carpet reception and music from award-winning Gary Barlow sound-a-like singer Lee Crimp.

Miss Alekna said the opening evening was the culmination of their £100,000 investment in the business. "Our launch event was a real success and it was fantastic to see so many of our loyal customers from across Worcestershire there to support us.” she added. "Our team were on hand to showcase their skills through a variety of demos and talked through some of the new treatments we’ll be launching this year. It was a perfect way to officially launch the new-look business.

Before buying the business, Miss Alekna, who is 28, and 27-year-old Mrs Tudor had both been employees at the salon, building up a solid base of regular clients. Mrs Tudor explained: "We have a combined 16 years here at Legends and during that time Lauren and I have got to know our customers really well and importantly, what their preferences are. We will be introducing a variety of new initiatives here at the salon throughout this year but our specialist team will continue to focus on providing a wide selection of professional hair and beauty treatments. We’re also excited to have so many talented young stylists and beauty therapists in our team and cannot wait to launch our new training programme to help them develop even further.”

The salon employs 27 specialist staff, which includes five new apprentices.