At school she saw the ugly side of human nature, but being bullied hasn’t stopped young entrepreneur Aimee Hobbs wanting to help women make the best of their features.

The aspiring 19-year-old couldn’t wait to leave school after being bullied - and next week she secures the keys to her own beauty salon in Royal Star Arcade in Maidstone town centre.

Aimee Hobbs Makeup Studios, set to open for appointments from December 15, boasts that it is the first of its kind in Maidstone offering a range of looks and classes.

Her interest in cosmetics began while at school, experimenting with different techniques in year 11.

Miss Hobbs, of Simpson Road, Snodland, switched from Invicta Grammar School, on Huntsman Lane, to Maidstone Grammar School for Girls, Buckland Road, but says she experienced bullying at both.

She said: “My mum said when I was getting bullied at school she thought I would wear makeup as a mask and putting a brave face on, but it gave me confidence.”

For many years she had planned to become a lawyer but soon realised her passion was within the beauty industry and went to study hair and makeup at Mid Kent College.

She said: “When I went to enrol in college the lady that enrolled me said this isn’t for you, you should be going to university.

“I want people to know you can run your own business and still leave school at 16.

“When I did it I thought it was impossible, especially when I got my first employee, but it is actually a lot easier than you think.

“Don’t listen to people that say you’re too young because it’s not true.”

Miss Hobbs said she was nervous about entering the beauty industry after her experiences at school but has been surprised by how lovely everyone is.

She has been saving for a year-and-a-half to buy the studio.

She added: “I knew if I worked hard and saved up my money I would get the shop.”

Aimee has been running a small studio at the back of Beaut Boutique on Tonbridge Road, which she obtained during her second year at college.

Those interested in seeing her work can head to Instagram @aimeehobbsmakeup.

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