A SALON owner has been named as a finalist in two categories at the UK Hair Awards.
Kimberley Roberts, who runs Hair by Kimberley Roberts in Kinmel Bay, has been selected shortlisted for Best Stylist of the Year and Best Balayage of the Year.
Just prior to Covid, Kimberley closed her main salon down after 20 years and created a salon at her home. Six months later, the pandemic hit.
Kimberley, who has two children and is married to Peter, said: "In my home salon it's a lot more personal and my clients get a one-to-one luxury service with no distractions. It's all about the client and their time to relax.
"To achieve this recognition, being named a finalist for two categories, is an immense honour and I couldn't be more proud to represent our wonderful community of North Wales.
"With over 26 years of experience in the hair industry, I have poured my heart and soul into my craft. It brings me immense joy to know that my efforts have been acknowledged by industry experts."
In the past, Kimberley has been a finalist in The Welsh Hair and Beauty Awards for Stylist of the Year (2020) and finalist for 'Up and Coming Stylist of the Year' (2022).
She won the of 'Most Wanted Salon of the North' in (2019) also for The Welsh Hair and Beauty Awards; Best Business in Kinmel Bay (2017) by the Journal and Salon of the Year 2011-2012 by the Journal.
Talking about her latest nomination, the 42-year-old said: "I was so overwhelmed, it's such a prestigious award to receive. I am just a girl from Kinmel Bay but I have big dreams and goals for the future.
"Over the years my salon has gone from strength to strength, but since closing the main salon and moving location, it has given me time to re-evaluate what I want as a stylist. Before, I was so busy helping all my wonderful staff in reaching their goals and potential with training and helping them with their clients, even taking care of my own clients and family, that I had no time to know what I wanted for myself.
"The last three years has given me that much needed time. I've just launched my new training academy (Kimberley Roberts Hair Academy) which is aimed at helping anyone wanting to break into the hair industry or wanting to update their skills."
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Kimberley took her first steps into the hair industry when she was just 15. She worked as a Saturday girl in Punch and Judy's.
"My mum booked me a hair appointment at Punch & Judy's and from the minute I walked in, I was in love. The hustle, bustle, the laughter, the buzzing atmosphere... I just loved it all and knew I needed to work there. Denise the owner was a ball of fun and I loved working for her, the amazing friends I made along the way and the memories I'll treasure forever. It will forever hold a place in my heart.
"It has been hard work and very challenging at times running my own salon, but so worth it. When I see the clients' faces as I finish their hair.
"The joy and confidence it brings them, you just can't buy that."
Winners will be announced later in the year.
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