Poole-Based Entrepreneur Expands Beauty Business with Second Studio and Training Academy

Cassidy’s Beauty Academy, a thriving nail and beauty training academy and supply store based in Poole, is making waves in the industry with plans to expand. Founded by Gen Z entrepreneur and mother of three, Cassidy Jade Darby, the business has rapidly grown since its inception in April 2024, thanks to a £25,000 Start Up Loan from the British Business Bank, delivered through GC Business Finance (GCBF).

Cassidy's journey began in her mother’s garage, where her passion for nails blossomed at a young age. By 16, she had completed her first acrylic nail course, and by 18, she had opened a small beauty room after earning additional qualifications. Despite her love for the industry, Cassidy struggled with traditional training methods that didn’t cater to her learning style, particularly as someone with ADHD. She found existing courses either too brief or too drawn-out, with little flexibility for different learning needs.

After becoming a mother at 20, Cassidy took a detour into sales, where she discovered a talent for teaching. This experience, combined with her passion for nails, inspired her to launch Cassidy’s Beauty Academy. Recognizing a gap in the market, she developed courses that blend online and in-person sessions, offering flexibility for students to learn at their own pace while still receiving hands-on training.

The Start Up Loan was instrumental in getting the business off the ground, enabling Cassidy to secure her first nail studio and purchase essential equipment. Her academy not only offers comprehensive training but also serves as a pro-supplier of high-quality beauty products, supporting both established and emerging brands.

The local community has rallied around Cassidy’s venture, and the business has grown to include a part-time social media manager. Looking ahead, Cassidy plans to expand her product distribution online and open a second studio, with the goal of training and inspiring the next generation of nail technicians.

Cassidy’s Beauty Academy is more than just a business; it’s a mission to revolutionise beauty training by providing accessible, flexible education that caters to diverse learning styles, while empowering others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.

Cassidy Jade Darby, Founder of Cassidy’s Beauty Academy, said: “At Cassidy’s, we’re helping to train the next generation of nail technicians in a way that suits their way of learning, and are looking to open a second studio within the next five years. My advice for other entrepreneurs scared to take the first leap into starting their own business is to abandon fear and just go for it, the worst thing that can happen is nothing changes! I hope my story inspires others to follow their dreams.”

“The Start Up Loan from GCBF gave us the initial funding we needed to open our first salon and buy equipment. Without it, we wouldn't be where we are now. As a first-time entrepreneur, it made accessing funding easy and I’ve already recommended the programme to friends looking to start their own businesses.”

Alex Mearns, Head of Start Up Lending at GC Business Finance, said: "We're really proud of all the businesses we support, and seeing all the success Cassidy has achieved already reinstates that the work we do at GCBF is continuing to make a positive difference to the small business community in the South West. Cassidy’s Beauty Academy is clearly loved throughout its community and is already looking at ways to increase its outreach even further by opening a second studio.”

“Getting a Start Up Loan supported Cassidy in taking the first step towards following her passion for nails. It allowed her to offer a flexible and person-focussed training model to make training inclusive and accessible to those who require a different approach to traditional learning styles. She has been on a unique journey in her career and I’m proud that GCBF could be part of it, providing the funding she needed to get her business set up. I look forward to seeing what she will achieve next in what I’m sure will be a bright future.”

Richard Bearman, Managing Director, Small Business Lending at the British Business Bank, said: “Cassidy’s entrepreneurial spirit and love for doing nails is apparent through the passion she puts into her business, and it's amazing to see her business thriving. She is a great example of an entrepreneur spotting a gap in the market and turning it into a full-time business, achieving success as a result.”