Join the Eite CSC Members Club

Join
Interviews

10 Questions With Sarah Abel Founder of TNB Skills Training

10 Questions With Sarah Abel Founder of TNB Skills Training
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article. For more information please see our Disclaimer.

Sarah Abel Founder of TNB Skills Training

Sarah Abel is a seven-figure entrepreneur, award-winning strategist, and founder of TNB Skills Training – a leading beauty academy helping salon owners grow through government-funded training. With over 30 years in the industry and her bestselling book The Power of Funding, Sarah Abel has built six successful businesses by turning funding into a growth tool. In this 10 questions with interview, she shares how beauty brands of all sizes can scale smartly, sustainably, and without relying on debt.

1. You have over 30 years of experience in the beauty industry – how did your journey begin?

My journey started with a deep passion for the hair and beauty industry and a bold leap of faith. I left a well-paid job, handed back my company car, and opened my first salon – even though I already had £50K in credit card debt and no spare capital. What drove me wasn’t just the dream of being my own boss, but creating a space where women could thrive and grow.

One of the biggest pivots came during a recession when cash flow was unpredictable. I discovered that by tapping into government funding for training, I could develop my team and add a steady income stream. That insight transformed everything, I went from salon owner to funded training provider. Over time, I built six-figure businesses using funding pots like AEB, apprenticeship contracts, grants, and even investor funding. That shift seeing funding not as debt but as a growth tool set the foundation for my seven-figure success.

2. You’re known for helping brands scale can you break down how this model works ?

Absolutely. Many business owners don’t realise that the government wants to support skills development and workforce training – it’s in their interest to fund it. My model helps brands unlock pots of funding like the Adult Education Budget (AEB), Advanced Learner Loans, and apprenticeship contracts. These can cover training costs, generate revenue, and grow your team at low or no cost to you.

For example, I’ve worked with salon owners who trained apprentices with full government backing. Not only did they grow their business, but they also received employer incentives for hiring. I call it scaling smart – you’re using funding to upskill your team, create new revenue, and increase brand value, without relying on risky debt or burnout.

3. What are beauty and wellness brands’ most common misconceptions about government funding?

The top three misconceptions are that funding is only for big businesses, iIt’s too complicated or bureaucratic and it’s just for young apprentices.

In truth, micro-businesses and self-employed professionals can benefit hugely there’s funding for learners aged 19+, and grants to support sole traders turning into educators.

I simplify the process using my R.O.A.D. to Funding method, helping founders Recognise their need, Organise the right funding, Align their offer with funder priorities, and Deliver results confidently. I break it down step by step, so they go from “I don’t understand it” to “I’ve just scaled my team with no upfront cost.”

4. What trends do you believe are shaping the future of beauty and professional training in the UK and globally?

The future is hybrid, accredited, and inclusive. More people want flexibility, so we’re seeing a rise in blended learning models that mix online and in-person training. There’s also a growing appetite for accredited & recognised qualifications delivered by boutique training providers rather than big colleges.

Globally, there’s momentum around funded freelancing training self-employed individuals in profitable, high-demand skills like lashes, aesthetics, and advanced skin therapy. And sustainability matters more than ever. We’re helping salons gain eco accreditations that align with government goals and unlock further funding. It’s about adding credibility, accessibility, and long-term value to every training offer.

5. What key message do you aim to deliver through your books and public appearances?

My core message is simple: you don’t need to grow alone or from your own pocket. There’s a hidden world of government investment available; you just need to learn how to access it. I share my real-life stories of turning chaos into opportunity and how I built six businesses using “free money” through government grants and investor-backed funding.

Whether I’m speaking on stage, on a podcast, or in my book, my aim is to empower founders – especially women – to think bigger, act smarter, and reclaim their time, money, and confidence.

6. What’s the biggest transformation you’ve witnessed in a business after they’ve embraced your strategies?

One that always stands out is a salon owner who was close to burnout. She had a brilliant team and was passionate about teaching but didn’t think she was “big enough” to get funding. Within 12 months of working with me, she became a partner, launched her training arm, and brought in over £100K through funded programs.

She now trains others, has a waitlist for her courses, and finally takes time off. That’s not just financial transformation, it’s lifestyle freedom. Seeing that shift in confidence, legacy, and impact is why I do what I do.

7. How can small, independent beauty businesses position themselves to benefit from funding?

Start with a mindset shift: funding is not just for big players. The earlier you start, the more opportunity you have to build something scalable.

I recommend they get compliant with basic systems like policies, safeguarding, and insurance, start offering accredited short courses to test their training model and partner with a funded training provider (like us!) to access partner routes.

You don’t need to go it alone, many of our partners start as 1-person salons and end up delivering nationally funded programs within a year.

8. As someone who’s helped many brands grow sustainably, what advice would you give to female entrepreneurs?

Protect your core values and build a team who shares your mission. Scaling doesn’t mean selling out, it means letting systems, people, and funding support your bigger impact.

Also, don’t be afraid of “good debt.” I used investor funding and business loans to get the right infrastructure in place and because I had a solid ROI plan, I turned that into growth, not stress. Scaling is about alignment, not overextension.

9. What does a typical day look like for you as a business mentor, strategist, and leader in the beauty world?

My mornings start with journaling and setting clear intentions, I believe your mindset drives everything. Then I usually dive into team huddles, mentoring calls, and reviewing funded project plans.

I split my week between strategy, delivery, and creation, so one day might be a live masterclass for my VIP clients, and the next I’m scripting content or meeting with local stakeholders about Skills Bootcamps or AEB contracts.

My secret? Boundaries and batching. I use tools like Go High Level to automate funnels, delegate to my trusted team, and always make space to think, not just do.

10 Looking ahead, what’s next for Sarah Abel?

Yes! I’m launching the 12-Month R.O.A.D. to Funding Programme – a complete mentoring and partnership opportunity for training providers who want to grow with funded programs. We’re also opening six new places for beauty entrepreneurs to partner with us and access government pots directly.

My book is now available, and I’m in talks for a new speaking tour in 2026 focused on “Funded Freedom.” Plus, our VIP mastermind is expanding to include wellness, coaching, and aesthetics brands who want to create their own legacy – without relying on their own money.

Trending Stories