WHEN Mita Shah arrived in this country from India 25 years ago she spoke little English.
However, her determination to make a success of her new life has reached a peak with the opening of her own beauty salon in Coulsdon.
Venus Laser Hair and Beauty based in Brighton Road opened its doors to customers in June.
Now, as a major refurbishment comes to an end, the salon will be officially launched on September 25 by the Mayor of Croydon, Councillor Manju Shahul-Hameed.
The launch will be combined with a charity fun day, raising money for the Mayor's two charities, Age UK and Macmillan Cancer Support.
Mrs Shah has an association with the premises for three years, having rented a room as a laser therapist in their previous incarnation as Pamper Parlour.
When the previous owner decided to was time to call it quits, Mrs Shah saw the opportunity to realise her ambition of running her own salon.
Mrs Shah said: "When I came here from Mumbai with my husband I hardly knew any English.
"My first job was as a checkout operator with Sainsbury's and I managed to get by with 'yes, please, no and thank you'."
A quick learner, general conversation and contact with others soon developed her language skills. With that success under her belt she moved into the world of study, eventually gaining qualifications in retail management and widening her skills as a beautician.
She said: "I am very happy to have my own business. People say when you get older you don't do anything.
"I am 54 and I am trying to get the message out to people who come from different background that they can achieve whatever age they are."
At Laser Hair and Beauty, which offers a full range of beauty treatments, Mrs Shah has a staff of five fully qualified beauticians and is looking to take on an apprentice.
She said: "I live in Thornton Heath but I really like Coulsdon, it is a very close community and people here are very nice."
Mrs Shah received a grant of Croydon Council to help establish her business and believes the "Dragon's Den" style grilling she went through to get the money means the business should have a good base.
She admitted to being a bit apprehensive but believed Coulsdon offered good business prospects, particularly with the plans to build 750 homes on the Cane Hill site and the arrival of Aldi.
She said: "Things are not going badly and I know it will take a while to get established but I am confident."
