A WOMAN who was told that she had ruined her life after getting pregnant at 16 with no GCSEs has won a prestigious award after the success of her business.

Elise Sullivan who owns Beau Boo Beauty in Broadway has won a Woman Who Achieves Business Award after the success of her beauty salon.

Mrs Sullivan said: "I am absolutely gobsmacked, we were up against multi-million pound companies so I didn't think we stood a chance. 

"It's been a hard couple of years and then obviously we had covid, the fact that we have overcome it and all of our hard work has been recognised has filled my heart with joy, it's lovely."

Since opening in Broadway almost four years ago, the business has opened a second salon with plans to open a third in the future. 

Mrs Sullivan said: "We started off in the derelict Evesham Riverside Arcade and moved to Broadway four years ago and it was 100% the right move. 

"It's my home village and so I have an emotional connection and we will never move, we might expand into other towns but we will never leave Broadway. 

"We are now working alongside the government with their help to grow scheme to help small businesses. 

"My friends often ask how to start in business and it's really exciting."

To win the award, businesses must submit financial and growth plans as well as forecasting before being interviewed by judges. 

(Image: Elise Sullivan)

Mrs Sullivan said: "I didn't gain a single GCSE and was a pregnant 16-year-old. 

"My mum told me that I had ruined my life, so for me this means you know what, you've done it. 

"I always try to reach out to young people who are struggling and so this is fantastic. 

"To go from pretty much having no future to a multi-award winning double salon owner means a lot."

Beau Boo Beauty currently offers a huge range of services from simple waxing to IPL and the business has recently expanded into hairdressing according to Mrs Sullivan. 

Mrs Sullivan is currently completing level four in micro needling and hopes to potentially expand into a third salon for clinical aesthetics in the future.

Sandra Garlick, founder of The Woman Who Achieves Awards, said: "It was lovely to see Elise proudly recognising her achievements following a challenging period and growing her business.

"She is a role model to anyone following in her footsteps.

The judges felt you were a worthy winner because of your ability to grow Beau Boo Beauty from scratch while overcoming significant challenges.

"Your business's impressive growth post-covid and scalability highlight your dedication and innovative spirit."