A beautician who made a major career change has been crowned one of the best in the region.

Rachel Lyon only started her Rachel’s Beauty Room four years ago but won silver as Beauty Therapist of the Year at the British Hair and Beauty Awards.

She said: “It feels absolutely amazing to have won, especially as I only started a few years ago.”

Rachel used to be a kitchen designer, a career she said she enjoyed but which did not give her the flexibility she desired.

She previously said: “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.”

She now runs her own practice from a cabin in her garden in Stratton St Margaret. She says the space gives her the perfect balance between the intimacy of a home salon, but with the privacy of a separate space.

It is only her, meaning that clients are guaranteed to have the space to themselves - allowing them to fully relax and unwind.

(Image: Submitted)

“Being a beauty therapist is much more “therapist” than I first realised - it is a time when people can really relax”, said Rachel.

“People leave feeling good about themselves because they look good, but also because they have had the chance to speak to someone who listens.”

Many businesses classed as luxuries have seen difficulties with the cost of living crisis following the coronavirus pandemic leaving people with less disposable income.

She said: “Covid was a really hard time to start my own business, and trying to build a client base from nothing took a lot of work.”

However, Rachel feels that while some people have cut back on their visits to the salon, others value their time out with her even more.

She was out at dinner with her family when she saw the news, and celebrated with a “cheers”.

It is not her first award recognition. Earlier in the year, Rachel’s Beauty Room placed seventh nationally for Best Home Salon, and was highly commended for Beauty Therapist of the Year, at the UK Hair and Beauty Awards.

She thanked her clients for their loyalty, and says she is not through with award wins yet having been shortlisted for The Brow Awards 2024.