A SALON in Neston has been shortlisted in the Hair and Beauty Awards 2023.

Darcy Meredith, 22, from Wirral, set up her nail business, Glam Gal Beauty in 2017.

She has been shortlisted as a 2023 finalist in the Nail Technician Of The Year category.

'I absolutely love my job'

Darcy said: "I started nails when I left school. I was always so passionate about it and knew it was what I wanted to do.

"I unfortunately really struggled to get into a salon for a year or so as there were very limited opportunities, so I began doing mobile to build up my clients. Then for financial reasons I got a job as a healthcare worker to pay the bills.

"I ended up loving it but nails and beauty were always at the front of my mind. After a year or so I decided I was going to get myself into a salon and build my clients up to full-time. After just six months I was able to leave my healthcare job and pursue my career as a full-time nail technician.

"I absolutely love my job. I love everything about nails and I love being in the beauty industry as everyone is so supportive and empowering. I also love meeting new faces."

UK Hair and Beauty Awards

The UK Hair and Beauty Awards celebrate the hair and beauty industry with an aim to support businesses both large and small and expose all candidates to new opportunities via social media, no matter their financial and social status.

A spokesperson for the awards said: "After a long year of struggle and strife for so many UK-based hair and beauty industry professionals, the Hair and Beauty Awards is breaking down barriers, helping contestants build followings and recognition – even if they don’t win.

"That is why they are celebrating the entire process of the competition this year and all the amazing talent that has entered."

'I'm thrilled to have made it'

Darcy added: “I still can’t quite believe I’ve been chosen as a finalist for such an amazing award, it’s very much a pinch-me moment.

"I’m thrilled to have made it through to this stage and I can’t wait to see what it will lead to. There are so many amazing talented technicians out there and I’m humbled to be part of it.

"I’d like to thank all of my loyal clients and followers as I wouldn’t be where I am without you all."

The awards will take place on Friday April, 21 2023 at 3.30pm in Birmingham.

Glam Gal Beauty by Darcy is based at The Hair Spa, Thornton Hall Hotel.