A beautiful dream. Graduate Michelle returns to her ‘roots’ to launch hair and beauty product dispenser

A University of Northampton (UON) graduate is living the dream by launching her own beauty-product dispenser business at Waterside Campus.

Michelle Carlos graduated in 2016 with a degree in Popular Music, but now beats a different drum, business entrepreneurship.

Michelle’s dispensing machine – Mica Cosmetics – is believed to be the first of its kind in the UK as it offers only beauty, haircare and hair styling essentials.

The items range in price from £1.50 to £13. Payment is contactless through a card reader and Michelle can check stock levels remotely so the shelves are always full.

The dispensing machine is located on the first floor of the Learning Hub at Waterside Campus, in the main dining area of The Ground cafe. Items include:

• Hair braids and extensions, including ‘French curls’.

• Hair braid accessories, in gold and silver to add some pizzazz to your braids.

• Hair maintenance, ties and scrunchies (the scrunchies are made from silk, which maintain hair moisture and prevent breakage).

Michelle said: “I know people will say it’s a cliché, but the idea for my company came from a dream. While I was sleeping, the products, a possible company name, even the colour palette for the brand all started to form.

“When I woke up, I couldn’t let go of the idea, grabbed my phone and started making voice notes. That’s when the hard work started – I had a lot of research to do!

“Students and staff are on the go between lectures, group workshops, meetings and other activities, but you never know when you need one of these products close by, without getting in the car to go to town, waiting in traffic, parking up, walking down the ailes and then queuing at the checkout.

“I graduated ten years ago, but I still remember that as a student I got so much support with everything I was doing and was nudged toward thinking as creatively as possible. I’m excited to be back here, at the new Waterside Campus – which was still being built when I graduated – and humbled that they are still supporting me.”

Find out more about Mica Cosmetics on Facebook, Instagram (micacosmeticsuk) and TikTok (micacosmeticsuk)