Company: Natasha Dennis Trichology Clinic
Entrepreneur:Natasha Dennis

What did you want to be when you grew up? For the vast majority of us our careers are unrelated to those childhood dreams, however Natasha Dennis has always known that an entrepreneurial business career lay ahead. This drive and motivation came to fruition in November 2007, with the launch of her own Trichology clinic in the heart of Croydon, supported by GLE oneLondon through the Croydon Enterprise Loan Fund.

Growing up in Croydon, Natasha’s “natural interest in looking after the health of hair and scalp” led her away from hairdressing, and to the branch of medicine that studies the health of hair and scalp. For two years Natasha’s motivation was put to the test by studying at the Institute of Trichology, whilst also working fulltime for local government. The fact that she “enjoyed her course so much” was clearly reflected in September 2007 when she passed with credit, with a specialism in Afro hair.

Once qualified, Natasha utilised her personal savings to buy the essential equipment to launch her clinic, including a microscope, towels, and the products to create her own range of medications. She also proactively targeted doctors and salons across London to whom patients could be referred. This was supported by a strong online presence and listing the clinic on numerous websites.

After the successful launch of the clinic and attracting an initial client base, Natasha sought to retain and attract more patients by intensifying her marketing and developing an identifiable brand; aiming above all else to offer clients the widest range of Trichological services. However, like so many small businesses, Natasha required an injection of finance to sustain her business during the initial start-up stages. In discussion with local businesses, Natasha soon heard of Croydon Enterprise’s new loan fund managed by GLE oneLondon, and approached them to find out more.

Having quickly been assessed as ‘finance ready’, Natasha was invited to interview with the loan fund. Any fears about what this might entail were quickly allayed by the supportive atmosphere of the panel, who made it clear that they “wouldn’t just hand over a cheque” – rather they were interested in “who she was and whether she was in it for the right reasons”. Having sailed through the process, Natasha was offered her £3,000 loan in January 2008.

Natasha found the process to be extremely straightforward and beneficial, and the on-going assistance from the loan fund advisers with the business and finances was “very helpful”. Her assigned mentor heads up the hair and beauty cluster in Croydon and so is ideally positioned to assist Natasha in her marketing due to his specialist market insight and contacts.

Natasha’s forward planning has not stopped now that her patient base is growing and her business reputation is increasing, indeed her sights are constantly looking to the horizon. Although she would love to have her own premises within the next year, her primary goal is to “perfect the business” and to enhance the clinic’s branding, through direct marketing and relationship building with patients, salons, doctors and other medical professions. Like any successful entrepreneur however she recognises the potential obstacles the future might present but is confident that she “will overcome them”.

To any budding entrepreneurs, the vast amount of business and financial support available to London residents makes it a “perfect time to start a business” and Natasha would wholeheartedly advise you to “enjoy the initial stages of starting up your business – it’s an incredibly exciting time and you’ll never get it back”.

For more information about accessing loan finance, please click here

The Natasha Dennis Trichology Clinic is based in Croydon and aims to offer the widest range of services for people with hair and scalp conditions, specialising in Afro hair.

For more information about the clinic please visit www.natashadennisjones.co.uk