ONE of Devon's top beauty therapists has opened her own salon in Torquay after working in some of the county's leading salons.

Elly Connell has bought the long-established Che Nails and Beauty in Lisburne Square and has big plans to build on its success.

"I've always wanted my own salon, but it had to be just right," said Elly.

"Che is light and airy with lots of space and it's brilliant for parking."

After training at South Devon College, Elly went on to work at the Susan Morgan Skin Clinic in Churston before moving on to Essential Therapies in Sidmouth, a Guinot 'Crown' salon.

After nearly two years there she was head-hunted by the Grand Hotel's salon and moved back to her home town, where she has worked for 18 months.

"It got to the stage where I was fully booked all day, every day, so I decided it was time to strike out on my own. I wanted more scope and space and wanted a fresh challenge.

"With my own salon I can provide many more treatments and create my own ambience and experience for my clients."

Elly bought the business from Lisa Marshall when she left to start a family, and says she will have a friendly welcome for all Lisa's clients, as well as attracting new ones.

"I know how important it is to keep clients happy. I still have customers come to me from all over East Devon. I like my clients to become friends.

"Being totally professional, but happy and friendly is what it is all about."

She added: "I want to offer as many treatments as I can so that people can come in and get everything done in one visit — spend a couple of hours away from it all."

Among the treatments on offer are manicures and pedicures, waxing, eye treatments, skin peels, Dermatologica facials, non-surgical facelifts, massage, hot stone therapy, spray tanning and make up.

She does a full range of nails including gel, fibre-glass and acrylic.

"I also have consultants who come in to do tattoo make-up and wrinkle smoothing," she said.

As well as running the salon, Elly also teaches 16 to 18 year olds at Newton Abbot College, one day a week, to NVQ2 and NVQ3 standard.

"The salon is an exciting new venture and I'm hoping it will bring a new level of luxury to Torquay."