“I can’t believe that this is my full time job and I’m getting to live out what I always wanted to do but it’s also frightening at the same time,” says Sabina Heath.
Sabina Heath set up Glam Doll Glitter Parties – a children’s pamper party venue – having previously worked in the NHS.(Image: Glam Doll Glitter Parties)
A single mum entrepreneur in Hull has told of her determination to continue her children’s pamper party business despite the “enormous pressure” caused by the cost of living crisis. Sabina Heath launched Glam Doll Glitter Parties in May 2024 following a steady career in the NHS and having been a stay at home mum.
The Spring Bank West-based business offers age appropriate parties and single sessions for children including foot spas, face masks, nail painting and sparkly makeovers. The venue is booked with parties most weekends and holds mini-sessions for preschool age children through to full sessions for ages five-13 – attracting customers from Goole to Scunthorpe.
But recently, Sabina, who lives in West Hull, has noticed business slowing down, with her worry that the cost of living is preventing bookings. The 45 year-old mum-of-two girls says the experience of setting up Glam Doll has been “nothing short of amazing” but that she is now carrying the weight of keeping the business afloat and responsibilities for her family.
She said: “I became a single parent in 2021 – had a bit of time out and realised that if I didn’t give this a shot, it was now or never. It had always been in the back of my mind.
“I can’t believe that this is my full time job and I’m getting to live out what I always wanted to do but it’s also frightening at the same time. Having a quiet couple of months can have a phenomenal impact – especially for a single parent doing it alone.”
Sabina is also an advanced skin educator, teaching microneedling and dermaplaning treatments to others at the start of their own careers. In 12 years working for the NHS she had been involved in the beauty industry in her spare time, before taking the plunge to launch the business.
“I feel the pressure because it’s just me, it’s not anybody else,” she added. “And I know I’ve got my tiny little violin out but I’ve got bills to pay here [in the business] and bills to pay at home. I don’t have the available money to keep advertising.”
Glam Doll employs two part-time staff of school age who Sabina says have gained valuable experience from working weekends, and built their confidence as well as receiving pay packets. And the venue regularly hosts foster carers and their children, along with a wide range of families.
Sabina says she is determined to keep fighting for the business – pointing out that independents like Glam Doll are important parts of the community.
She added: “Everybody is watching what they spend and being that bit more cautious. I 100% get it. Glam Doll Glitter Parties is a premium venue and I’ve worked hard to get it to where it is, so I understand its something that might not be within the reach of everybody.
“But I’m in the same boat and I do things like payment plans.”
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