A hair salon has been recognised as the cream of the crop after being crowned the best in the country.
Jemma George Hair Artistry scooped the coveted Best Salon of the Year title at the UK Hair and Beauty Awards in Birmingham on Saturday.
Owner Jemma George said being handed the award was a surreal moment.
It comes after she was handed the keys to the Chandler’s Ford salon just more than three years ago after being sold the business by her then boss.
And after growing up on a council estate and dealing with bouts of imposter syndrome, she said she never expected a win like this.
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She said: “When I bought the salon during lockdown, I wanted to completely change it and make it my own.
“I definitely suffer from imposter syndrome and feel like I am never doing enough.
“This win has made me take a step back and appreciate how far I have come.
“I grew up on a council estate and didn’t have money, so I have worked hard.
“Everything I have done; I have done myself.”
She added: “The entry process for the awards is quite strict and the judges look closely at the answers you give in your submission, along with the evidence you provide.”
Jemma entered for team morale but ‘never dreamt’ of the outcome.
She and her team of six are now recognised as the UK's best – and Jemma will be making the most of the title for the next year.
She said: “It is a surreal moment to be recognised for your hard work and effort, which is amazing.
“I was in complete shock when we won as there were thousands of entries and hundreds of people at the finals.
“I enjoy taking my employees to events like this for a team night out, and I didn’t expect for us to walk away with the crown.
“This was a much bigger event compared to last year when we entered – there were thousands more applicants.
“I love what I do and I love employing people in my salon.”
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