Meet Lily Lennard, the proud owner of Allure Hair and Beauty.
Lily is a rising star in the hair and beauty industry, having qualified at level 3 in July 2023 and opened her own salon in February 2024. Here’s a glimpse into her incredible journey.
Lily, can you tell us how your journey began from being a Kleek apprentice to owning your own salon?
Absolutely! I started my level 2 apprenticeship with Kleek in October 2019, working at a new salon in Surrey. Everything was going smoothly until COVID-19 hit. Suddenly, in March 2020, we had to switch to online training via Zoom. It was a huge adjustment. By July 2020, I moved to Kleek Academy Maidstone to continue in-person training and finally qualified in September 2021.
Initially, I was so frustrated by the delays, but looking back, it was a blessing. It gave me extra time to build confidence before hitting the shop floor. In January 2022, I embarked on my level 3 apprenticeship, which I had completed by July 2023. This was a game-changer, especially for creative colouring and short haircuts.
By November 2023, I had secured a lease for a commercial property, and Allure Hair and Beauty opened its doors in February 2024. We offer a range of services like hair colouring, cuts, extensions, manicures, pedicures, facials, massages, eyelash extensions, brow shaping and tints, LVL, brow lamination, and more.
What was the hardest part about opening your own salon?
Negotiating the lease with my landlord, hands down. It was all new to me—I don’t even own my own property, so the terms and negotiations were foreign. Thankfully, my uncle, who owns an estate agency, was a lifesaver. He guided me through every step of the process.
What advice would you give to aspiring apprentices in the hair and beauty industry?
Make the mo