THINK big and have courage to take the plunge.

That’s the passion that has driven Widnes mum-of-two Gill Ferguson to make her dream come true.

After 30 years in the hairdressing industry, training staff for top American beauty chains, she opened her own Macadamia Hair Spa salon in Lunts Heath Road, Widnes.

Now, just two years later, her staff has grown from four to 15 and she describes the experience as ‘the greatest adventure of her life’.

Gill, aged 47, from Farnworth, said: “I had won awards, travelled to wonderful places and met some inspiring people.

“I was working for a computer software company with my weekends and evenings free. Was I nuts to give it all up?”

She decided to become her own boss after watching Widnes prosper.

Former Fairfield High School pupil, Gill said: “We’ve got new houses, nice shops and new people.

“I thought this is a place I would like to open a new business and give local people employment.

“My drive, ambition and determination to succeed were my allies. I wanted to develop a team from scratch and watch it grow.”

She named her salon after the luxury nut Macadamia and strives to give her customers first class service.

She said: “The biggest buzz I get is when a client comes back. I have really high standards and constantly track and monitor our feedback.

“Our salon offers a luxury hairdressing experience that you would normally only receive in a high end London salon but without the price tag.

“If anyone is thinking of setting up their own business I’d tell them to feel the fear and do it anyway. It is absolutely amazing.”