A KEIGHLEY nail and beauty boss has spoken of her delight at reaching the finals of a top national awards scheme.

Julianne Weatherall, of Jules Nails and Beauty, is a finalist in the UK Hair and Beauty Awards 2022.

She has been shortlisted in the Nail Technician of the Year category, following success in the Yorkshire regional final.

“I am so pleased that I’ve got through to the finals,” says Julianne, 43.

“It’s quite overwhelming after winning gold and the honour of being named best nail technician in Yorkshire only just this month.

“I couldn’t be more proud.”

Julianne pays tribute to her clients – and particularly for their support during the hugely-challenging lockdown periods.

“I have the best clients going who totally trust me and my designs,” she says.

“Most of the time they just let me loose and allow me to be creative!

“This is so rewarding. My main aim as a nail technician is to ensure all my customers leave happy with my service – and I really do feel I achieve this.

“I am so pleased and honoured to know that my efforts are being recognised.”

She said the pandemic had created numerous challenges for salons, but she felt her own experience had made her stronger and that she had “come out fighting”.

Julianne added: “The support I received from my clients whilst I was closed due to lockdown was unbelievable.

“The number of messages I received asking if I was OK was just staggering and beautiful – and I want to thank each and every one of my clients for their backing.

“I’ve been so encouraged that last year I started a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in psychology. I want to be able to help others in the future and I can only thank the downtime that Covid provided and the support of my clients for that push to embark on the degree.”

Julianne has been in the nails industry for 20 years.

From being employed as a nail technician, she progressed to renting a space within a salon and then running her own premises.

“At the end of 2019 I decided to close my town-centre salon – luckily for me with Covid-19 just around the corner – and I set-up a special room in my home,” says Julianne.

“I’ve made this into my own little piece of luxury for my clients.”