A BROMSGROVE salon which was forced to close numerous times since opening last year has been shortlisted for a prestigious award.

Beauty boutique Saint Pearl, on Worcester Road, first opened less than a year ago and despite the Covid-19 pandemic, the business has been going from strength to strength.

Out of thousands of salons across the country, the Bromsgrove boutique has reached the finals for the Best Salon category of the official UK Hair and Beauty Awards 2021.

The salon opened on July 4, 2020 following the first lockdown, and subsequently had to close when further lockdowns were imposed.

The salon is owned by 21-year-old Hollie Brighton, who says she is “overwhelmed” by the achievement.

She says she was determined not to let the pandemic defeat her and has managed to gain loyal clients throughout the year.

Saint Pearl beauty boutique in Bromsgrove

Saint Pearl beauty boutique in Bromsgrove

Hollie also says staff member Jenna Bennett has also been shortlisted for a beauty therapist and nail technician award.

Hollie told the Advertiser: “It’s been really tough. We've had to close three times. 

“At 21 years old, to have opened a salon in the most difficult year I’m probably going to have to face, and to have already been finalised for the Best Salon UK award, is a huge honour.

“I dreamt of owning a salon when I was four years old after being influenced by other successful family members in the industry and I’ve worked extremely hard to get where I am today.

“To have the email to say we were shortlisted was fantastic. It’s started the year off really well.”

“Regardless of what’s happened throughout the first year, I have worked so hard to get here now. I feel really overwhelmed and proud.”

This category is awarded by Only Way Is Essex star Amy Childs and the winner will be announced in March.