Jim Parker: 'Inspiring Paignton mum-of-four deserves Business Awards recognition'

This week I am focussing on nails, women's nails, beauty treatments and a new 'salon' in Torbay. No, I haven't lost the plot just yet and I am not about to change my name to Jemima. I would just like to take time out and pay tribute to a remarkable young mum from Paignton.

She Pack started as a home-based salon, a 'small but mighty space where women went not just for nails, but for confidence, empowerment, and support.'

As the demand grew, so did her vision - the move to an industrial unit known as 'Shepack HQ' marks a significant expansion.

This step forward allows Abi to bring even more women into the fold, offering high-quality beauty treatments and education on a larger scale. But also supporting local women, other local women owned businesses and future Women CEO's. The venture already is supporting K website designs, country beauty, incandescent jewellery, and an up and coming photographer, a fellow Abbi and client of she pack, to name a few. 

The move to an industrial unit is a radical departure from the traditional high-street salon setting. Abi says it symbolizes strength, independence, and a refusal to conform to outdated beauty norms. This space allows Abi to expand both her beauty services and her pioneering education programs, designed to disrupt the way beauty is taught and practiced. 

Having earned an advanced degree in education, Abi is revolutionizing how beauty professionals learn. “At She Pack, we don’t just train nail techs—we build entrepreneurs. Beauty education is broken, and I refuse to accept that. I’m here to teach in a way that empowers, uplifts, and gives students the tools to create a thriving business on their terms.”

Abi says: "This is not your average beauty salon or sterile training academy. It’s a hub of empowerment where women can unapologetically be themselves—whether that means having unfiltered conversations, reclaiming their self-worth, or learning a trade that can change their future. She Pack is a true non-judgment zone, where beauty is defined by authenticity rather than appearance. Gym wear, pyjamas, no makeup—women are welcome just as they are, because beauty isn’t about perfection, it’s about confidence, self-acceptance, and celebrating who we truly are."

Adding a unique touch to the space is the Community Ceiling Project, which will be an ever-growing artistic installation created by the women of She Pack. Abi says: "Every client, student, and visitor has the opportunity to contribute, whether by leaving an inspirational message, a piece of their story, or a creative expression of their journey. This project embodies the spirit of She Pack—strength in unity, individuality, and the power of collective empowerment."

For Abi, this move isn’t just about growing a business. It’s about continuing her mission to help women find confidence, independence, and financial freedom.

She says: "She Pack is about breaking cycles—of self-doubt, of financial struggle, of feeling like you’re not enough. "

She adds: "It's more than a business. It’s a force of change."

Truly inspiring stuff and worthy of recognition. Enter our business awards.

Entries are flowing for the 2025 Torbay Weekly Naturally Inspiring Business Awards. This year we are trying to find new ways of making sure businesses - especially our more bashful businesses - enter. This year, not only can you enter your own business for an award but you can  also nominate another business. If you choose that route, a Torbay Weekly representative will make contact with the nominated firm and help them fill out the entry form. Couldn't be simpler.

Just go to torbaybusinessawards.co.uk for all the entry and category details. I have a sneaky suspicion Abi York may be entered for a couple of categories....