I first came across local businesswoman, Danielle Everitt, one cold Saturday morning on Hornchurch High Street. I was helping the Conservative Association collect signatures for their petition against the closure of Hornchurch Police Station, and Danielle leapt out of her shop, Final Checks, to offer her assistance in getting more people to support the campaign.
When Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson, later came to Hornchurch to celebrate Small Business Saturday, I thought Final Checks would be the perfect business for him to promote to thank Danielle for her support.
Final Checks Studio opened in 2016 and offers hair and makeup services for nights out, children's parties, weddings and events like Halloween. The business also offers photography in their studio, as well as professional training and masterclasses, and Danielle continues to work as a professional freelance make up artist.
After Boris' visit, we went back to Final Checks to catch up with Danielle, and she talked about her aspirations to grow the local business community, build a community awards event and offer a proper qualification to local young people who wish to train with her.
We highlighted Danielle's work to Havering College when we met their Principal, and are delighted to report that Danielle is now helping out with work experience placements for learners at the College and is delivering training in her own right.
We hope Danielle's dynamism, hard work and enthusiastic support of the community will see her business go from strength to strength.