FEMALE power has come to the fore in Alton, with a number of businesses run by women now operating at the Energique Health Club and Spa.

The businesses are all under the banner of the Olivia Grayce Hair, Beauty and Wellness Centre, which was the brainchild of businesswoman Kelly Warren.

Kelly said: "I came across Energique in July 2020 and opened the wellness centre.

"I started with my hairdressing business. I was then looking for a beautician to come on board and managed to get Lauren from Blush Beauty to take a room.

"I then wanted a therapist to join, and it has continued to grow. I have now created a business for eight other females in the industry."

Kelly has now branched out her business by recently opening her own coffee shop, the Sugarloaf Coffee House Cafe, at Energique.

Kelly is using Sugarloaf to highlight mental health and well-being, a cause she says is close to her heart.

"We are now campaigning for and supporting mental health and well-being in the community through our workshops and events being held at the coffee shop," said Kelly. "The aim for us now is to get the community coming together.

"I’ve seen a lot of people struggling through the lockdowns. We want to try to help people with their mental health.

"We want to get lots of other local businesses involved and bring people together so everyone feels the benefits."