A Swindon mum is celebrating after her business was rated one of the best home salons in the country.

Rachel’s Beauty Room in Stratton St Margaret placed seventh nationally for ‘Best Home Salon’, and being highly commended for ‘Beauty Therapist of the Year’, at the UK Hair and Beauty Awards.

Rachel Lyon, 37, owner and founder, said: “I credit my success to my determination to be successful. Rachel’s Beauty Room is a professional space with a personal side to customer service”

Lyon set the salon up in 2020 just after Covid-19 lockdown restrictions lifted.

She said: “The lockdowns and restrictions were the hardest moments of starting my own business. It was really frustrating when pubs were allowed to be open but sterile beauty environments were not.

"Trying to build a client base from nothing in already tough climate took a lot of hard work. I am proud that we are now almost always fully booked.”

Lyon balances the business alongside raising her children: Sophie, 7, and George, 8. She emphasises that being a present mum whilst running the salon is important to her.

Lyon said: “I’m pleased to be able to run a successful business during a tough climate and to still be able to pick my children up from school, help out on school trips & the PTA and not miss any sports days or class assemblies at the same time.

“It can be tricky when they’re poorly but I work around my children. My want to be a more present mum is what made me start the business.”

Before opening Rachel’s Beauty Room, Lyon worked as a kitchen and bathroom designer, which left her minimal time to spend with her children, to her frustration.

She said: “It was a very inflexible job. I had to work most weekends, and with the kids in school during the week that meant I couldn’t spend as much time with them as I wanted.

“I always had an interest in beauty, I just turned my hobby into my job. It allows me to be an independent woman and have an income at the same time, which is important. It’s hard to get back into a career after having children.”

Lyon hopes her success can inspire other women and mums to start their own businesses.

“If you’re thinking about it, its definitely worth it. Running a business is not easy but you can do it if you work hard”, she said.

Lyon has already been shortlisted as a finalist for ‘Best New Business, ‘Beauty Therapist of the Year’ and ‘Rising Star of the Year’ at the next British Hair and Beauty Awards. She is also shortlisted at the upcoming ‘Brow Awards’.