Leela has a golden glow of success

Leela: ready for her new challenge

FORMER British Karate champion Leela Jackson has joined tanning company Glotanz as head of sales in the North-West.

Born and raised in Oldham, Leela, (33), took up karate at the age of nine and competed in the British Championships at 17, winning the title despite getting a broken nose.

Since hanging up her black belt, Leela has discovered a passion for tanning and went to Oldham College to study beauty.

She worked for leading brand Sienna X before joining Glotanz, which is creating a buzz in the beauty world, having been chosen as the official tanning supplier for the Miss England finals.

Leela said: “I started karate because my dad wanted to build my confidence as I was really quiet and timid.

“I loved the sport, especially the competitions, in which I always did well. When I was 17 I went in for the British Championships against the British champion at the time and won despite a broken nose.

“I have always had a passion for tanning.

“What girl doesn’t feel her best with a holiday beach glow?

“Plus it’s so much safer than using sunbeds and baking in the sun.

“Glotanz is getting a great reputation and is being snapped up by lots of spas and salons.”

Julie Allen, a beauty therapist of 20 years, wanted to create the ultimate spray tan treatment and business package to set new standards for the industry.

Julie said: “Leela is a natural sales person with a passion for tanning —exactly the kind of person I would trust to run the North-West arm to my business.” Glotanz, based in Northampton, has grown from one to eight staff in two months and is looking for more sales staff and trainers in Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool.