Being an entrepreneur requires “guts and determination”, “an incredible amount of hard work”, “skill” and “passion in what you are doing”.

Being an entrepreneur tucked away on a 16th century, 1,000 acre estate in rural Fermanagh requires the ability to bring customers “off the beaten track” and to build up a strong reputation.

So far sister and brother Nadine Carroll (neé Lyons) and Wayne Lyons have managed to build healthy customer bases in their businesses which are based on Colebrooke Estate outside Brookeborough.

Nadine, 31, runs Colebrooke Spa, which is located in the courtyard adjoining Colebrooke House. It was opened in 2011 as a result of Lord and Lady Brookeborough taking part in Channel Four’s ‘Country House Rescue’ project. The documentary was part of the Brookeborough’s drive to invest in the stately home which saw them refurbishing the interior, including 12 bedrooms to accommodate guests, and finding new ways, such as the spa, to generate income in order to maintain the building into the future.

Nadine is also Manager of The Loft Beauty Salon in Fivemiletown which she opened in 2008. She employs eight staff across both businesses.
Earlier this year, following lengthy discussions with Lord Brookeborough on the potential for a gym at Colebrooke Estate, Wayne, 29, opened a self-service gym in the courtyard beside the spa.

Outlining her early ambitions to open her own beauty business, Nadine, who studied at Fivemiletown High School and Fermanagh College, said: “Ever since my first spa day when I was 17, I wanted to open my own spa. I helped out at Let’s Face It in Fivemiletown when I was 12 and I then worked in Áine’s Beauty Salon in Derrylin. I completed my HNC with the intention to lecture in Beauty Therapy but I enjoyed the salon environment and decided to open my own salon.”

The Loft was initially funded by a business loan and overdraft, while Colebrooke Spa was funded by Lord Brookeborough. As both businesses have progressed, Nadine ensures that “profits are re-invested to sustain growth.”
Nadine recalls that in 2010, she was approached by Kate Crane, the then Manager of Colebrooke Park. “She asked if I would be able to offer treatments to residents at Colebrooke. During that time, Lord

Brookeborough, Kate and I were discussing the possibility of opening a spa or health farm at Colebrooke. We all felt that Colebrooke lent itself to a spa or retreat environment. When we were researching possible avenues, Lord Brookeborough was approached by Country House Rescue and the rest is history!”

Nadine believes that, in order to get both businesses up and running, and to ensure their success, her industry experience has been crucial. “It’s also important to have good management, organisation and delegation skills. You must be hard working and not afraid to take risks.”
Securing customers, and keeping them, is a matter of “working well within a team and maintaining high standards”, according to Nadine, who adds:

“Customers like to see you demonstrate professionalism, confidentiality, keeping up with the latest trends and consistency. It’s important that the spa therapists take refresher courses, add personal touches to the client’s salon or spa journey and, most importantly, maintain a good word of mouth reputation.”

The main challenges she has faced to date include “making sure that treatments match customer demand, maintaining a business model for both businesses, upkeep of premises, risk management, learning to delegate and problem solving.”

A typical week “is very busy” so there’s no surprise that maintaining a work-life balance is another challenge. “Like most people in business, it seems that the weeks are never long enough. I wouldn’t get through each week without the support of my team at the salon and spa. My typical week is very busy but I try hard to spend time with my husband and family. I have always been a ‘granda’s girl’ and I like to make time in my week for him. I also enjoy exercising, especially at Colebrooke Fitness!”

Despite the challenges of running her own businesses, Nadine points to the enjoyable side of being your own boss: “You are following your passion and realising your aspirations. You feel pride from knowing that you are building something of your own. You are helping people feel better and you get a boost from customer satisfaction.”

She describes her management style as “firm but fair”, adding: “I am a great believer in ‘a happy team makes a productive team’. I wouldn’t expect anyone to do anything that I wouldn’t. I take part actively within the team. We have an employee handbook and standard code of conduct that makes each therapist aware of what is expected. This has proven successful for me as I have a great team who are happy and productive.”

A business plan is crucial and Nadine always looks six months ahead. “We have frequent staff meetings where we reassess customer feedback and trends in the market. We are proactive and we only take on board what we have faith in.”

Asked to describe the pros and cons of operating a business from Colebrooke, Nadine replies: “Colebrooke is the ideal location for a spa environment, it’s like a hidden gem. From the moment you enter the tranquil estate you feel like you are leaving the worries of the busy world behind. Plus, it has an air of exclusivity.

“It is off the beaten track with no shop front or passing trade. Apart from that I would struggle to find any cons to trading in Colebrooke Estate; it is a privilege to be in such a beautiful and secluded environment.”
What would she change? “Nothing. I am very happy with the situation I am in and any mistakes I have made, I’ve learnt from them.”

A person she admires greatly in business is her cousin Mark who owns Mark Lyons and Co Accountancy. “Mark has been a rock to me over the years,” Nadine comments. “Without his expertise, guidance and business knowledge, this is something I couldn’t have coped with and I still strongly rely on his professional advice.”

Her tips for budding entrepreneurs are: “It takes an incredible amount of hard work, stamina, determination and skill. You need to be fearless and not afraid to take a gamble. Entrepreneurship requires positivity, optimism and following your gut feeling.”

One such budding entrepreneur is her brother Wayne, who admires his sister’s business acumen. He comments: “Nadine was a great role model to me and a great support in helping me start a business.”

Following education at Fivemiletown College, a National Diploma and HND in Sports Science at South West College and a degree in Sports Studies from the University of the West of England, Wayne has worked in the fitness industry for 12 years. He initially worked in the Lakeland Forum and is now a lecturer in South West College.

He explains: “Over the past few years, Lord Brookeborough and I have had lengthy discussions on Colebrooke estate and its potential for the fitness industry. Since then we have progressed to a successful self-service gym offering personal training, transformations and a variety of fitness classes.”
Wayne funded the business venture with personal assets and savings, a move that he says took “guts and determination”.

He comments: “It is like a family with a very strong ethos of support and community. It was my passion and focus to create an environment which was welcoming and a space everyone would enjoy regardless of fitness level, weight, age, religion, ethnic group or gender – I believe this has been my biggest success to date and it’s clear to see when you arrive.”

His experience in the fitness industry was “invaluable” when it came to deciding to open his own business. “The initial organising and setting up of the gym required a clear vision and organisation. Budgeting and financial planning are also key components to a healthy business model. 

Finally, a positive attitude and determination are crucial,” Wayne said.
His biggest challenge to date has been “effective time management and budgeting.” 

The most enjoyable aspect to date has been “making a difference to people’s lives, however big or small.”

The brother and sister are very grateful for the support they have received from Lord and Lady Brookeborough, describing their input and backing as “invaluable”.