A young Brierley Hill beauty therapist hopes she has ‘nailed it’ after being shortlisted in four categories in a national awards scheme.

Twenty-year-old Eve Dudley is a self employed nail technician at the Scratch salon in Old Swinford, Stourbridge and used lockdown to get her entries all sorted for the annual hair and Beauty Awards.

And it has paid off, with her shortlisted for four awards: best for gel nails; nail technician of the year; rising star; and best social media.

Eve says it is a fantastic boost because Covid and lockdown have made it a really tough year for beauty salons.

“Being self employed has been really tough,” said Eve.

“During this difficult time I felt I should focus on the positives of having the extra time on my hands, and tried to really focus on my social media that I don’t usually have the time for due to being so busy with salon life!

“After hitting my 1,000 followers on Instagram and other lockdown goals I had set for myself I thought I would enter into some awards.

Stourbridge News:

“To be a finalist in four categories is just incredible! It would be amazing to win an award but I’m thrilled to just be a finalist.”

Eve, who did a beauty degree at University College Birmingham, and then did extra training in bio sculpture gel, manicures and acrylic enhancements.

She’s in good company at Scratch, which is up for salon team of the year.

“Even if I don’t win an award personally hopefully the salon will! Either way I’m so glad I pushed myself out of my comfort zone.”