A YOUNG Clydebank businesswoman has told of her shock after being crowned as an international rising star recently.
Demi Lee Kelly launched her own brand of beauty products two years ago after dropping out of university in 2020.
The 23-year-old from Hardgate told the Post she decided to venture into the business world during lockdown and hasn’t looked back since.
Demi Lee said: “I was studying to become a PE teacher and I hated it. Then we went into lockdown so I had lots of time to think about what I wanted to do.
“I started my own brand and just hoped it would work out. I began researching how to start up my own brand, how to find a supplier, a factory, etc.
“Once I worked it out I got samples from a couple of different places and trialled them out on myself and my family before I invested a lot of my money into it.
“I didn’t want to invest in something that I wasn’t one hundred per cent on. It’s nice to be able to say it’s my own brand, it’s perfect for me and what I do.
“It means I don’t have to switch between different brands and struggle to find one I totally like.
"It’s also consistent for my clients as they know every time they come in they’re getting the same products.”
Around a year ago, Demi Lee and her mum opened up their own salon D-Lash in the town centre of Clydebank where they have amassed a loyal base of clients.
The 23-year-old explained it was one of her amazing customers that put her forward for the International Rising Star Award at this year’s Social Media Hair and Beauty Awards [SMHBA].
The hardworking Bankie said she credits her clients for her success.
Demi Lee added: “Someone has to nominate you and then they [SMHBA] put a post on social media with all the nominees and people vote by commenting on it.
“Then it goes to a judging panel and they pick the top five entrants. At first, I didn’t know what it was and after looking into it I was so shocked that one of my clients had taken the time to nominate me.
“When everyone started voting in the comments I think there were around 400 comments for me and I didn’t even know some of the people – I just cried the whole week it, was so touching.
“Our clients are all so supportive, it’s so lovely. It’s important to have a good relationship with customers as without them I wouldn’t have anything.”
After launching her own cosmetic range – including fake tan, lashes, and makeup – Demi Lee is approaching an important milestone in her business career.
She has nearly sold 2,000 bottles of her own fake tan, something she hopes to celebrate over the coming months.
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