After launching a successful beauty training academy in 2013, local business woman Lisa Devanny has wasted no time in creating and expanding a business empire in Middlesbrough town centre, with the underlying aim of helping local beauticians realise their dreams.

She has now welcomed a brand new hairdressing business into the fold and is on the lookout for tattoo artists, beauty experts and an apprentice to join the thriving creative community.

“I trained as a makeup artist back in 2011 before launching the North East Academy in 2013 to help train other local artists.

“In 2018 we were able to move into an expansive unit in Rede House on Corporation Road where we focussed on creating a stylish space to nurture the talent that we were seeing locally,” said Lisa. 

Wanting to better utilise the vast industrial space after Covid, savvy Lisa decided to split the space into further smaller units leading to the creation of Industry coffee house – now an established go-to spot open from Monday to Friday serving up tasty lunches and seasonal specials.

A sparkling afternoon tea has been introduced to the menu on Fridays which can be enjoyed with or without alcohol, perfect for an early Mother’s Day treat. 

Afternoon tea with prosecco at Industry

Fast forward to February 2025 and Hunter and Salvin hairdresser duo are the newest residents to take up space within the building offering bang-on-trend cuts, blow drys and a range of luxury treatments.

Kerry Hunter, co-owner of the new salon, said: “All our stylists are Saks-trained. I set up the salon with my business partner Andrew Salvin when our former employer unfortunately closed its doors at the start of the year.  We wanted keep our collective skills together and employ as many of our former co-workers as we could, so it’s great to see it all come together.

“We’re offering a range of hair services, including colours, extensions, cuts and bespoke styling.

“It’s lovely to see new faces coming into the salon for some well-deserved ‘me’ time. They can then grab a coffee and lunch next door at Industry, it’s just a brilliant concept.

We’re offering welcome deals too so there’s even more reason to come and visit us!”

Lisa Devanny, owner of Industry coffee house

In a bid to fill the remaining space and offer up and coming beauty artists the chance to have their own space, Lisa is now looking to welcome even more creative talent into the building. 

“It’s a really quirky and individual place to be. We’re looking for people with the same drive and ambition to add to our existing dynamic,” said Lisa. 

“The space has two rooms where we can host two talented tattoo artists on a self-employed basis. We’re also looking for a new apprentice to deliver customer service and really enhance our socials.  It’s a great opportunity for anyone coming out of school, college or university.

“This is a bustling part of the town that’s full of professionals, it does feel exciting to be here. 

If you’d like to know more or be part of the exciting plans, contact Lisa via Facebook or Instagram.