A Darlington salon has relocated into the former House of Zana unit, as it has enjoyed three weeks of success since opening. 

At the end of July, My Brow Expert moved into Grange Road after relocating from nearby Amity House.

The business, which is owned by Jo Coates, began in 2020, after moving with her husband from London to be closer to her family, following the birth of their first child. 

After previously being the national trainer for Benefit Cosmetics, Jo used her expertise to set up her own business - but it hasn't been without its struggles. 

Jo Coates at My Brow ExpertJo Coates at My Brow Expert (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Attempting to set up the business during the Covid-19 pandemic, all beauty businesses were ordered to close on the advice of the government - and Jo was forced to postpone the opening of her business until customers could return.

But, following the pandemic, she has grown her client base and has hired her first member of staff since moving to the new Grange Road site. 

Jo said: "Since opening the salon - I've loved building the client base. When we were in Amity House, we saw all of the customers coming over to our new Grange Road base - and new customers have also been arriving. 

Jo CoatesJo Coates (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

"This location means you get footfall, and Grange Road has such a good independent feel. All of the other businesses have been welcoming since we came here three weeks ago."

Since taking over the shop after seeing it up for rent following House of Zana moving out of the unit, My Brow Expert has been converted into a slick salon.

Alongside the success of the last three weeks for Jo's business, it has also been shortlisted for ‘Best Small Business’ at the Tees Valley Businesswomen Awards, which champions female entrepreneurs across the region.

Jo added: "The shortlisting for the awards is brilliant and it's all about supporting women in business. It's a great group."

Moving forward, Jo has set her sights on growing My Brow Expert steadily and hasn't ruled out the prospect of adding further shops in locations like Yarm, Harrogate and York - but is happy with the Darlington shop for the time being.

More details about the business can be found here.