STYLISTS at a Staindrop salon are celebrating after being told they are in the running for glory at a national industry competition.
Heart Hairdressing, owned by Gemma Potts, has been selected as finalists for not one, but three, awards in the 2024 UK Hair and Beauty Awards.
Gemma, from Hilton, opened the hair salon four years ago, relocating from premises in Tindale, Bishop Auckland.
She entered the awards several months ago, sending in evidence of their work.
She was notified by email that her stylists are not only finalists in the best hairdressing team in the UK, but are competing for the title of the best colour salon and the best bridal salon.
She added: “It’s just nice to get some recognition for the girls because they work so hard. What makes us work well together is we are a team and we help and support each other rather than as individuals.”
Stylists Gemma, Sian Thompson, Fiona Davey and Annabel Franks, along with apprentice Niamh will be travelling to a red carpet ceremony in Birmingham on June 1, which will be co-hosted by JLS singer Aston Merrygold and X Factor contestant Jake Quickenden.
Gemma, who regularly organises fundraising events at the salon, said: “Last year, after my friend was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, we organised a day to do cuts and blow dry with all the takings donated to cancer charity.
“I’m very much for helping people and hairdressing is not just a nine to five job for us. We are very passionate and we do it because we love it.
“We have won several English awards in the past, but they were more regional. These are much larger awards.
“We are all really excited and looking forward to the awards ceremony, but whatever the outcome, we’re just really proud that we have been selected as finalists.”
