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 most of all the free education available online! The internet is a goldmine of information, with platforms like Instagram and TikTok offering endless learning opportunities beyond what you get in your apprenticeship. Another tip: create your social media profiles as soon as you start your apprenticeship. It’s crucial for showcasing your work and attracting clients. Most bookings nowadays happen online, so having a solid online presence is essential.
How did Kleek Apprenticeships and your educator help you on your journey?
Kleek’s educators were incredibly supportive, especially Ashley, who was my main educator for both level 2 and 3 VTCT qualifications. She was always there to explain things I didn’t understand and helped boost my confidence in areas where I felt less sure. Ashley knew about my dream of opening my own salon and was so supportive. One of my goals is to teach hairdressing someday, inspired by Ashley’s amazing teaching.
What do you love most about your job?
Being my own boss is fantastic. I can set my own hours and prices and choose which services to offer. Hairdressing is such a versatile trade—you can be self-employed, work for someone else, or even teach. The best part is seeing the confidence boost in my clients. Watching them leave the salon feeling transformed is incredibly rewarding. Now, with the additional services my team offers, I see even more of these transformations.
How important will apprentices be to you in building your salon team?
Right now, we’re just starting out, so I don’t have any apprentices yet. However, we do have a young lady doing work experience with us. It’s great to have juniors around—they learn so much on the job. I remember how tough it was to find a salon willing to help me grow as a stylist, so I’m looking forward to the day I can mentor an apprentice and give back the same support I received.
Lily’s story is a fantastic blend of resilience, learning, and passion. From the challenges of the pandemic to the triumph of opening Allure Hair and Beauty, she exemplifies what it takes to turn dreams into reality in the hair and beauty industry.
Find out more about Kleek apprenticeships at kleekapprenticeships.co.uk
