FOR our trader of the week, this week, we decided to focus on Keswick's Star Beauty.

Star Beauty has just celebrated its 16th anniversary.

Writing on Facebook to commemorate the milestone, it is written: "Happy birthday to Star Beauty.

"16 years open today, to celebrate, [we are having] mulled wine and mince pies and a snow machine and singing Santa."

Still high off the excitement of a StarBeauty party, Sharon Hodgson, the owner, manager, and founder of Star Beauty spoke of how proud she was to have come this far.

She described how the experience felt, growing a business up to being as successful as it is today.

She said: "It was a great feeling, I opened a brand new business, and it was so exciting then, and it really took off.

"We have been through quite a lot of things in Keswick, both good things but also bad things, the occasional floods for example, but I have never regretted a single moment.

"We have a lot of repeat customers, some of them are tourists, and when they come on holiday to Keswick, they make a habit of coming in for a session here.

"Because the business has taken off so well, I have also opened up a new shop next door, and I have also got a unit elsewhere where I have more salons."

Explaining how her business is structured, Sharon said: "Everyone is self employed.

"The people who work under the roof of Star Beauty, of which there are 10 people, meaning there are ten different aspects to the business.

"They chair rent off me and have something unique to offer.

"These are stylists, hairdressers, beauty therapists, sports therapists, podiatrists, physical therapists, nail technicians, botox nurses, and more.

"I am trained in and can offer physical therapy, and I also manage the shop, the day to day runnings of the salon.

"It is really hard work, and I cannot switch off for a second, but I love every single second of it."