Francesca is a cut above

Mon 25th January 2010 12.50PM

A BOLTON businesswoman has been named as one of the UK’s most inspirational female entrepreneurs. Francesca Cragg has been chosen at the winner of the everywoman Artemis Award sponsored by the Royal Mail, for the most inspiring entrepreneur between the ages of 18 and 25. In a year that has undeniably been one of the most challenging for the country’s business owners, these awards recognise those women that have demonstrated exceptional determination and drive in order to achieve success with their ventures. Through celebrating and raising the profile of these winners, the initiative aims to encourage future generations of women to start their own business and achieve their career aspirations.

Having started her career in hairdressing aged just 13, Francesca was destined for success, working her way up the ladder over eight years to become Style Director. At just 17, she was one of the youngest people in the country to gain NVQ Levels 1 and 2 in hairdressing. Although passionate about her job at Toni & Guy, her dream was running her own salon, and having found the perfect location on the outskirts of Horwich, Francesca launched Revitalize, a hair and beauty spa with her sister in 2007. Open six days a week, the salon has gone from strength to strength, offering a full range of hair and beauty treatments, and now boasts 12 members of staff and a loyal customer base. Francesca understands the value of training and mentoring, giving up her personal time to ensure more junior staff have the necessary skills to succeed, and encouraging other senior stylists to do the same, aged just 23.

She is also passionate about the environment, and the salon is the first in the UK to be run using renewable and solar energy. Francesca says: “It’s been tough setting up at the start of the credit crunch, but it means that whatever comes next will be better. I’m really determined and love achieving the ambitious goals that I set myself.” Karen Powell, Head of Learning Delivery, Royal Mail, says: “Royal Mail is delighted to sponsor the everywoman Artemis Award. This award is for a truly inspirational young woman who has the drive and determination to succeed in business today. Our winner this year has displayed all of these qualities and more and we wish her every success for the future.