A beauty therapist who started her own business as a single mum is encouraging Basingstoke women and girls to follow their dreams.

Andrea Jones, who runs the Andrea Danielle beauty therapy school in Reading, became a single mother at the age of 16.

However, she was determined to achieve her dream of becoming a beauty therapist.

With 13 years of beauty therapy experience and eight years of teaching experience, she now wants to inspire others in the Basingstoke area.

She is offering free advice to women and girls interested in a career as a beauty therapist.

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Beauty therapist Andrea Jones is hoping to inspire women and girls (Image: Andrea Jones) Andrea said: "Whether you are 16-years-old with no qualifications, a young mum, or in a later stage of life and looking to learn new skills, the opportunity is there for anyone who wants it.

"Being a beauty therapist is something that can be done on a full-time or part-time basis.

"It's a great confidence boost to be able to work for yourself, on your own terms.

"It suits all types of people, including mums who have kids at school, or if their current job doesn’t support working within school hours.

"There is no age barrier, so even if you are in your 30s, 40s or older, you can still become a beauty therapist.

"Even people who are not very academic can become beauty therapists, as it is more about creative and visual learning."

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Andrea wants her story to be an inspiration to other women.

She said: "Becoming a single mum at 16 meant I was judged and looked down on, but I wanted to prove a point and work around my daughter.

"I wanted to use my initiative to earn money and show my daughter and others that you can follow your dreams, even if you are a young single mum."

Those interested in becoming a beauty therapist can contact Andrea at info@andreadanielleuk.com for free advice.