A BUSINESS started by two friends who met at Wigan & Leigh College has been shortlisted for a national and prestigious award.

Learning their craft in the hair and beauty industry at Wigan & Leigh College's 'Image Centre', Charlize Hatton and Shannon Entwistle became friends and often spoke about their dream of one day opening their own salon.

After their hopes of starting a new business were temporarlily dashed by the pandemic, Charlize and Shannon finally were finally able to open their first salon, Aspire Beauté Lounge, on Westleigh Lane in March 2022.

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Leigh Journal: An example of the nail acrylics at Aspire Beauté LoungeAn example of the nail acrylics at Aspire Beauté Lounge (Image: Aspire)

Offering beauty products such as facials, nail acrylics, eyebow tinting, and massages, the two friends have quickly developed a trusted reputation and a regular client base in the town.

Just 12 months after setting up the new business, Aspire Beauté Lounge was put forward in the national UK Hair and Beauty Awards (HBA) and it has now been shortlisted in the final of the 'Best New Salon' category.

The business has also been named within the district's Top 10 new salons by those at the HBA.

Leigh Journal: The two friends opened the Westleigh beauty salon in March 2022The two friends opened the Westleigh beauty salon in March 2022 (Image: Aspire Beauté Lounge)

Speaking about the business and the nomination, Charlize, 25, said: "We can't really believe how well things have gone in our first year, as we never expected to be as busy as we are.

"It's just taken off. We have a little community where we work and our customers are amazing.

"They have really given us the confidence to put ourselves forward for something like this [...] and we are overwhelmed to have achieved something like this in just one year of being open." 

Leigh Journal: The beauticians said they are overwhelmed at the recognitionThe beauticians said they are overwhelmed at the recognition (Image: Aspire Beauté Lounge)

Celebrating the best in the industry, the annual UK Hair and Beauty Awards has become an prestigious event that shines a light on the hard-working and talented businesses within the industry.

Charlize and Shannon will find out if they are named as winner of the 'Best New Salon' at the red carpet event in Birmingham on Saturday, April 22.