Mum who fought postnatal depression sees business grow

Today, the business she set up just five months ago is flourishing and she has been shortlisted for a young entrepreneur of the year award.

Kimberly, who established Precision Semi-Permanent Makeup with the help of the Prince’s Trust, said her whole life has “turned around” and she feels like she is “back to herself again”.

The 30-year-old was struck with depression following the birth of her youngest child two and half years ago, and having previously had a career in graphic design, marketing and customer services, she was forced to go on long-term sick leave.

It was the local Jobs and Benefits Office which put her in touch with the Prince’s Trust.

In the past five months, Kimberly has built up a client base of more than 300; she has taken on two part-time staff and last week she moved into bigger premises in Foundry Street, Portadown.

She said, “I have introduced a new treatment, cryotherapy, which is used in weight loss and pain relief and it is just so popular, as well as new types of semi-permanent make-up.”

Kimberly has paid tribute to her Prince’s Trust mentor Dwayne Stewart, who, she said, had given her fantastic advice and “walked her through every step of the expansion”.

She said, “I could phone him and he was always ready to help. I just feel he is really invested in my business.”

Kimberly held a launch event at her new premises (above Portadown Tiles) last Friday from 7pm-9.30pm with demonstrations and prizes to be won.

Meanwhile, she was also set to take part in the young entrepreneur section of the Enterprise NI awards at the Hilton Hotel.

Said Kimberly, “I would like to think that other women who are feeling the way I was feeling will see that you can get help and change your life.”