Pendle News Room

Sameera, 34, wowed the judges with plans for her new hair, make up, nail, brow and henna art bar at a gruelling Dragon’s Den style interview.

Coming out on top, her new enterprise - Sam’s Beauty Box - will also provide alternative therapies such as Indian Head Massage and Thai Foot Massage.

Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, Leader of Pendle Council said:

“We’ve worked with Pendle Rise Shopping Centre in Nelson for this fantastic competition and Sameera is a worthy winner of the prize valued at over £30,000.

“She’s won a 100ft retail unit in Pendle Rise free of rent and rates for a year,” added Iqbal, who leads on economic development for Pendle.

Sameera was born in Nelson, went to Marsden Primary and Edge End High schools in Nelson and completed her Business HND at Nelson and Colne College. 

 She  will benefit from a free package of support to help get her new business underway.

This includes retail mentoring by neighbouring store Wilko and financial, business and marketing support from Pendle Council’s Economic Development Team.

A £1,000 advertising campaign has been donated by 2BR Radio which will be broadcasting live from Beauty Box this Friday.

Sameera also received a business start-up grant for £2,000 and a premises improvement grant for £700 from Pendle Council as part of our Gearing Up for growth campaign.

Sameera said:

” I’m so excited about my new venture, not just for myself but for the benefits we are going to bring for many people in Nelson.”

Jeannie Pritchard of Fairacre Asset Management Ltd, the new landlords of Pendle Rise said:
“ We’re delighted to provide this opportunity for a young entrepreneur to fulfil her retail ambition.

“Sam’s Beauty Box will be a welcome addition to the retail mix of Pendle Rise and demonstrates our commitment to driving the centre forward,” she explained.

Paul Collins, Pendle Council’s Town Centres Regeneration Officer, was one of the Dragon’s Den Judges. He said:
“This is a great example of partnership working to support retail businesses in Pendle.

“Advice and information on grants for new entrepreneurs like Sameera and also for established businesses is available on our website: www.pendle.gov.uk/business

People are also welcome to give Paul Collins a ring on 01282 661677 for a chat about support available, or email the team: business.support@pendle.gov.uk

The competition was organised by Pendle Rise Centre Manager Debbie Hernon. She said: “Sameera is passionate about her new enterprise and joining our Pendle Rise retail community.

“We are looking forward to the launch of her business this January, getting the new year off to a great start!"

Sameera lives in Blackburn and studied to become a beautician at Blackburn College and has returned to her native Nelson to run her new business.