Total Beauty in Hexham is celebrating its 25th anniversary in March with a look back at its history.

The business is owned by Helen Cass, who has been in the industry for 35 years and during that time is proud of her success in overcoming many obstacles and challenges such as moving premises, recessions, and Covid-19.

Helen now runs the business in a room within The Bodywork Centre on 4 Eastgate with her employee Lauren Westgarth.

"I started the business on March 1, 1999, and rented a room at Antonio's - a salon that still exists today - for four years and there was no competition," Helen said.

"As a young single mum, I built the business up and by the time my son was in school - it was booming.

"After a while, I needed to take the step of having a bigger premises, so after renting for a while, within a couple of years then I was able to buy the premises - which was a shop and flat.

"Then the recession hit in 2007, then several years later came the pandemic in 2019, but I found that after every challenge I have faced, I have overcome it by diversifying the business.

"Our main priority is to always offer our customers great value for money.

"Covid rules really hit us hard as we had to wear masks, so we could not see smiles or see any emotion when working or even hug our customers when we asked how they were or needed comfort.

"But it also made us who we are today. We are now more mobile and physically go and see our customers if they prefer.

"The pandemic also inspired us to take the next step of going to lodges, hotels, and other venues.

"I'm so grateful to my dear friend and colleague Lauren, and other lovely ladies that have worked with us and are still our close friends.

"You can see from our comments on social media posts and our reviews how valued we are, so I'm proud and grateful.

"Thanks Hexham."