We’ve been so excited to see LaserHQ in the press recently. The story about our founder and her entrepreneurial journey has been picked up by the local media and the response we’ve had has been fantastic!
If you don’t know the story about how LaserHQ began, our founder Helen Quayle, 28, launched the business from a tiny, windowless room four years ago. Since then, she has opened two clinics in Liverpool and Manchester, with a third opening soon in Leeds, as well as launching a training academy.
Helen, who struggled with dyslexia throughout school, grew LaserHQ from nothing after being made redundant. She now employs a growing team, and the company recently hit a £1million turnover.
Looking back over the growth of the business, Helen said: “I started the business four years ago when I was looking for laser hair removal and found that there were no well-known brands around to offer it. I wanted to launch a brand that was trustworthy and affordable, with a vision that it would be the best laser brand in the UK.“
“I built the brand from nothing and started in a tiny little room in a salon – there was literally a bed and the machine, with no windows. My mum gave me £50 for the logo to help start the business and I got busier and busier. At the start, I was working all hours and lugging the machine around in my car, going between Manchester and my clinic in Liverpool.”
Helen Quayle, laserHq founder
Opening the LaserHQ headquarters
After two years in business, Helen opened the current LaserHQ headquarters in Hamilton House, on Bury New Road in Manchester. Explaining the development of the brand, she said: “We moved into a bigger space to house the Manchester clinic – we’ve now taken on 80% of the building and we just keep growing. There are currently twelve people in our close-knit team, some of whom have been with me from the start; they’re all amazing and they’re a huge reason why the brand has grown to be a success.“
Award-winning, five-star rated laser hair removal
LaserHQ has built a loyal customer base and a professional reputation that has been recognised through awards and five-star ratings. Helen said: “We’ve won awards for our services and have received more than 500 five star reviews on Treatwell, which has been fantastic. Our clients travel from all over – they’ve travelled up from London for laser and have even flown in from Dubai and Paris. We have lots of celebrity clients too. We change people’s lives daily – getting rid of the unwanted hair that might cause them to feel depressed. We have created an understanding and non-judgemental environment that delivers the best results.”
The LaserHQ training academy launch
Despite the challenges of the global Covid-19 pandemic, Helen has adapted and expanded LaserHQ and introduced new services – including the LaserHQ training academy and the introduction of masterclasses. Helen said: “When the pandemic hit and we had to close, we wanted to use the time wisely and turn it into a positive – so we made plans to be bigger and better. We launched the LaserHQ training academy, which means we now can train therapists from all over the UK and help them achieve their VTCT laser qualifications. We also introduced masterclasses which have all been fully booked and sold out, with some of our guests travelling for up to four hours to attend. Alongside the accredited courses and following successful launches of other arms to the laser business, we run mentoring and business training too.“
Cosmeditech partnership
Another exciting development for LaserHQ has been the partnership deal with industry giants Cosmeditech, introducing a range of new and bespoke laser hair removal machines. Helen said: “The partnership with Cosmeditech and the new machines are a huge deal for LaserHQ. We’re proud that LaserHQ is now the only laser hair removal brand in the UK to have bespoke, branded machines. We always want to be one step ahead, which is why we’ve invested so much into this partnership that will offer our clients something new and unique.”
Helen’s entrepreneurial journey
The new clinic in Leeds opened its doors this summer, and the next step for LaserHQ is introducing franchising to the business model. But despite Helen’s entrepreneurial success, she struggled with dyslexia throughout school, college and university. She achieved a 2:1 in Physical Education at Edge Hill, before landing a business apprenticeship with a sports company.
Helen is keen to offer encouragement to anyone who struggles with dyslexia. She said: “I’d say to any kids in school not to worry if you’re not academic, you’ll find your niche. When I did an apprenticeship, I found my niche and that was problem-solving and being a good people person. It doesn’t matter if you’re awful with spelling or you struggle with the academic side; you’ll find what comes naturally to you. Everyone is unique and has different strengths and weaknesses. It’s about finding what you are good at and learning new ways to improve your weaknesses.“
“When I was made redundant, it gave me a push to go for it with LaserHQ – I had no choice but to make it a success. This is a business that’s run on hard work and professionalism. We are so much more than just offering a service. Starting my own business has taught me to work hard, put in the hours and build it up – and it’s worth the sacrifices along the way. I knew in my head where I wanted to be and what I wanted to do, I’ve worked incredibly hard and invested in the business and I’m excited about the future plans we have in store at LaserHQ.”
Helen Quayle, LaserHQ Founder
