An Andover beauty business has been awarded a grant worth of hundreds of pounds after successfully weathering their first six months.

M.A.Y.B, a hairstyling, makeup and aesthetics studio, was launched by Yasemin Lucas and her sister-in-law Meliha Akbas earlier this year after they decided to set up a permanent home after over a decade of freelancing. They received a Business Incentive Grant worth £750 from Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC).

Yasemin said “When the unit became available to rent it seemed the perfect opportunity for us to join forces and take the next step. We wanted to create a luxurious escape for women to come have a pamper and make over and it’s a great space to hold trial runs for all the weddings I do.

“Meliha’s clinic is tucked away upstairs for all the aesthetic and semi-permanent makeup treatments she offers. We are thrilled to be awarded a Business Incentive Grant from Test Valley Borough Council to help support our new business”.

TVBC’s £750 Business Incentive Grants have been given for a number of years, with firms including gardeners, electricians and even drone photography receiving the payment over the years.

The grant is available to anyone looking to set up their own full-time business in Test Valley. Anyone who successfully applies for the grant will receive £750 if their business is still going strong six months later.

M.A.Y.B opened on Junction Road at the start of the year, and despite the impact of lockdown has been able to keep going. The name ‘M.A.Y.B’ is created from combining the initials of their maiden names.

The pair were given their grant cheque by Millway Ward councillor Christopher Ecclestone, who said: “The grant schemes are a great opportunity for those wishing to set up new businesses in Test Valley. I am delighted that Yasemin and Meliha have been successful in their grant application and wish them every success.”