Brow Wow founder Megan Patrick launched the specialist brow and beauty bar in 2014 after retraining as a beauty therapist. Previously a professional dancer, Megan was forced to step away from her performing career due to a health condition and began exploring new professional opportunities, ultimately turning her passion for beauty into a successful business.
What began as a small operation working from her mother’s kitchen has since grown into an award-winning beauty brand with a loyal customer base.
Now, with a decade of business experience under her belt and having moved from a mobile service to a permanent premises in Gateshead, Megan is focusing on expansion and turning her regional success story into a national one.
Gateshead’s Digitalising our Town Centres Programme, a project funded by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness and The North East Mayoral Strategic Authority, helped grow her business.
Megan says,
“I love how something as simple as brows can help people feel more confident. That’s where the idea for Brow Wow began.”
“Moving to a fixed location in Gateshead made a huge difference,” she said. “It meant we could serve more clients and begin building a team around the business.”
With franchising as the goal, Megan wanted to build the brand first.
She says,
“Now, we’re in a position to take our winning formula and give it a new life in other areas. And not just in the North East, we’re currently talking to an interested party in Glasgow.”
Reflecting on her journey into self-employment, Megan credits the support she’s received through a number of different business support programmes, including the Digitalising Town Centres programme delivered by TEDCO Business Support.
Not only has the programme helped the business to strengthen its digital presence via its website and social media platforms but it’s also given Megan access to the experience and advice of the TEDCO team.
She says,
“The support from TEDCO has been invaluable. Having someone external to talk ideas through with is incredibly helpful. Running a business can sometimes feel lonely, so having a sounding board with experience and contacts makes a real difference.”
In response, TEDCO Business Advisor, Allan Dodsworth, comments,
“Working with a driven and talented business owner like Megan is always a pleasure. It’s no accident that Brow Wow has won multiple awards and gained interest from potential franchisees. At TEDCO, we’re proud to have played a small part in her journey so far and can’t wait to see what the coming months and years hold for Brow Wow.
TEDCO Business Support offers advice and opportunities for startups across the North East.
The post The Gateshead Entrepreneur Taking Brow Wow From Local Favourite to National Franchise appeared first on Newcastle Magazine – Your source for inspiring Newcastle news.
