'It's a massive confidence boost': Hampshire beauticians reach the finals of the UK Hair and Beauty Awards
Bridget Russell and Hannah Horton-Telfer celebrated their outstanding achievements in the industry
It was a glamorous Saturday night for two local beauticians who walked the red carpet as finalists at the UK Hair and Beauty Awards.
Bridget Russell from Blossom Aesthetics in Fareham and Hannah Horton-Telfer of Horton’s Beauty Salon in Havant both attended as finalists at the awards ceremony at the AO Arena in Manchester.
Bridget Russell said: “I have been doing beauty for the past 20 years and about six years ago, I decided to see if I could get into the aesthetic side of things and now I’m a level seven aesthetician.”
She was a finalist for the ‘Best in Aesthetics’ category of the awards and is also a finalist in the GB Beauty and UK Hair Awards in September for ‘Aesthetician of the Year’.
“It is really good because I left school with no qualifications and I’ve surprised myself how far I’ve come and I’m really proud of myself,” she said. “All of my clients are really positive - they keep saying I deserve it and there are a lot of people that have commented on my post.
“I’ve worked my way up and I now have my own premises, I started with a chair in a salon. I was a finalist last year and have been one this year again. It would be a massive achievement to win the GB Beauty and Hair Awards because it makes you feel like you’re doing something that deserves recognition.
“It would give me a massive confidence boost and I’m really grateful for everyone that has supported me over the years.” she said.
Another beautician from Hampshire also reached the finals of the awards. Located in Havant, Horton’s Beauty Salon was ranked in the top 50 home salons in the UK.
“I placed at number 40, so technically you could say top 40,” said owner Hannah Horton-Telfer.
She was also highly recommended for a ‘Rising Star’ award, as well as for ‘Best Gel Nails’.
“The ceremony was amazing, there was a three course Michelin star meal,” she said. “There were lots of celebrities too, Katie Price was there.”
“I have done this for the last seven years but always with someone else, I only went fully self employed in December last year. I just took the leap and thought just go for it,” she said. “I just want to continue to grow.”
Hannah has also received two Havant Constituency Small Business and Community Awards for her work.
She said: “I love working with clients, a lot of my clients end up trusting me and you get that bond with them.”
“I wasn’t very inclined towards school, I knew I was very creative. I went to college to do make-up and special effects but it's a very hard industry to get into.”
“I went into beauty and worked my way up. It’s a hard gig working for yourself but it's very rewarding!”