A new tanning salon is to open in Ramsbottom.

Charlotte Thorpe is opening House of Doré on Bolton Street.

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Charlotte, who lives in Bolton, said: “When I left high school I didn’t really know what I wanted to do for a career.

“I toyed with different ideas of going into veterinary school, photography, getting back into dance and many other things.

“One of my friends at the time travelled to Blackburn College to do a hairdressing course and indeed qualify whilst doing an apprenticeship.

“After looking into Blackburn College and seeing that I could do this for beauty, it immediately grabbed my attention and the idea of learning about skin care, nails, massage etc really took my interest.”

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Charlotte enrolled onto a beauty course at the college and started reaching out to salons to see if they would take her on as an apprentice.

She added: “I reached out to a few salons but the one that really stood out for me was The Brown Cow Salon in Halliwell, Bolton and after meeting the owner, I knew instantly that I wanted to carry out my apprenticeship there.

“I started attending college every Monday and spent the rest of the week working at the salon.

“I really enjoyed working in the salon, I came across so many different people who all had different stories.

“I found the whole social aspect of the job very warming and when carrying out treatments that made people feel good about themselves you get a great sense of achievement and happiness.”

Charlotte, who lives in Bolton, spent many years at The Brown Cow and qualified up to Level 3 in beauty therapy.

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After eight years in the beauty industry, she left in 2016 to have her daughter and spend time with her three children, however she knew she always wanted to own her own salon one day.

Charlotte spoke about why she chose Ramsbottom saying: “I have often been to Ramsbottom, especially as a child taking part in activities such as the East Lancs Santa Express.

“It is a beautiful town and working closely with my husband helping him with his own project we have got to know a lot of the locals.

“I have often browsed for different properties and locations in the area but when the property came available which will become House of Doré I walked through the property and my imagination went wild.

“I fell in love with the history and the features of the building. I just knew it would be perfect.”

The salon, which previously was a dentist will also potentially be offering rental space for a self-employed beautician who is looking to work their magic on their own clients and bring them to House of Doré.

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