A CARLISLE beauty salon has thanked the local community after celebrating its seventh year in business.

Beth Dobson opened Changes in 2017 and has been offering beauty and skincare treatments to the people of Cumbria ever since.

On April 4, Beth marked seven years since officially opening, and was keen to pay tribute to the support of regular customers and local businesses as her solo business continues to thrive.

Speaking to the News & Star, she said: "I've always done beauty therapy since I finished school. I went to Carlisle College and have worked in various spas. I really wanted to venture out and work on my own and in 2017 Changes was born.

"It's completely different working for myself and by myself but I do enjoy it and I like to have the interaction with my clients, because no two days are ever the same. You build a nice rapport with people."

Changes offers a wide range of treatments including laser hair removal, laser tattoo removal and permanent make up. 

The business used to be located on Cecil Street but moved to Crosby Street shortly after Coronavirus restrictions were lifted. 

Beth added: "It's been great. I'm so lucky to have regular clients and that other businesses recommend me. It's a good feeling. There's a healthy relationship between businesses in Carlisle which is really nice to see. There's a big community spirit."

During the pandemic, Beth was even offering out skincare tips to people on Facebook to help those who were missing out on in-person treatments.

In May, Beth will travel to London after being named as a finalist in the Aesthetic Therapist of the Year category, where she is hoping to bring the prize back to Cumbria. 

She concluded: "Sometimes it feels like it has gone by in a flash, but at the same time it feels so familiar. I've met so many lovely people. I love my job and I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the support of my clients.

"Anybody that decides to walk over my doorstep, I'm thrilled. I really do love my job."