AN NHS worker with a passion for making clients feel great about themselves is our next finalist in The Northern Echo Best Beauty Business of 2024.

Lauren Young set up Lashed by LMY out of her home in St Helen Auckland, near Bishop Auckland.

But by day she works full time as a healthcare assistant at a GP surgery – so she fits her clients in for all their lash needs in the evenings and weekends.

Read more: Upper Class Aesthetics in running for Best Beauty competition

She said: “When I left school I started with health and social care, but then changed to beauty. When I qualified though it was a difficult industry to get into, so even though I loved it, I put it on the back burner.

“I currently work for the NHS, but last August I went on a lash course as I realised they were really in demand. I converted a room in my house into a little salon and started using my beauty skills again.

“As well as lashes, I do brow waxes, tints and lamination. I’m planning to qualify in aesthetics in the future – for Botox, lip fillers and anti-wrinkle treatments.”

Lauren has worked in the NHS for four years, and although she said she loves her job and helping people feel better, she would love to be her own beauty boss.

To get in touch with Lauren, visit her socials @lashedbylmy