A ONE-time corporate film make-up artist has teamed up with her daughter to start a new business venture.

Petra Read, whose high standards and a keen eye for detail has seen her work for the likes of BMW and IBM, and her daughter Charis have opened Sublime Beauty Salon, at Marco Polo hair stylist in Queen’s Road, in the Brookvale area of Basingstoke.

Petra said: “I specialise in make-up and colour and image while Charis’ specialists areas are facials, nails, waxing and eyelash extensions.”

Charis, who has been in the beauty business for two years, having trained at BCoT, where she studied for her BTEC National Diploma in Beauty Therapy Sciences, certainly enjoys the partnership with mum. “I love it – it’s really good fun,” said Charis.

Petra added: “We have the same vision for the business and get on very well. We really want to grow the business.”

The business got off to a good start with a launch party, which packed the salon.

“It was super,” said Petra. “I took loads of bookings and sold lots of products – it was a really good evening. I did two make-up demonstrations, where I did a daytime look and an evening look.”

She feels the turnout bodes well for the business, despite the tough economic times. “I am utterly confident and I am not put off by the doom and gloom – we bring brightness to people’s lives. I think there is a demand for good service and we do go over and beyond.”