A BEAUTY salon has celebrated its 10th anniversary.

Jemma Little opened The Beauty Spot in Hexham on October 28, 2011.

Jemma (34), who was born and bred in the town, had previously worked at spas before she decided to open up her own salon.

"My dad [Derek Croasdale, owner of Derek's Shoe Bar] has been self-employed all of his life, so it sort of ran in the family to have that goal and aspiration to have my own business," she said.

"From 10 years ago to now, I've totally changed.

"I've got some lovely, lovely customers, who are probably more like friends now as well."

The salon is located in St Mary's Chare.

Jemma said: "Everybody along this street is just so friendly. The street has changed massively in 10 years and it's quite scary sometimes because you think 'what's going to go next', but hopefully things are here to stay for a while."

Although she said she has loved the past 10 years, Jemma admits there have been challenges, including the Covid-19 pandemic.

While the UK was in lockdown, she ran online skincare consultations and makeup tutorials.

Jemma provides a variety of beauty treatments but said she is starting to diversify, with more of a focus on skincare and laser hair removal, which she began to offer last month.

"I really think it's going to take off because [currently] you have to go into Newcastle to get that done or to the Metrocentre, so I think having that here is something that is going to really pull people in," she said.

The Beauty Spot also offers Environ, a results-driven skincare brand which is only available from trained stockists, and has been awarded with a Silver certified partner certificate from the IIAA.

"I've had that in for seven years now," she said. "It's been fantastic."

Jemma now also teaches beauty at Derwentside College in Consett, which she said she "absolutely loves".

On her future plans, she said would be keen for someone to rent some space from her at the salon.

"I've got two children [both girls aged three and 18 months] so it's quite difficult managing my diary sometimes," said Jemma.

"Maybe one day they might take over the reins!"

The Beauty Spot is open Wednesday-Saturday.