Wickford Essex Bridal Hair in UK Hair and Beauty Awards

Clair Hodges, 38, opened Essex Bridal Hair in Market Lane, Wickford, in October.

The mother-of-three has been left “over the moon” to have her business nominated for a national award just six months after opening.

Clair says it had always been a dream of hers to open a hair and beauty service, but had thought it may never come true after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018.

“Before I was diagnosed I was doing hair and beauty courses getting ready to start a business having been a stay-at-home mum for many years raising my kids,” Ms Hodges said.

Clair Hodges (Image: Clair Hodges)

“I had just had my third child, she was three months old when I was diagnosed and it was such a smack in the face.

“I had to put all these dreams and plans on hold for two years as I was going through treatment and focussing on just getting better.”

Mrs Hodges has been in remission for 10 months now, and says she is “over the moon” with how her businesses has taken off since opening six months ago.

Essex Bridal Hair (Image: Clair Hodges)

“I am absolutely shocked with how well we have been received by the town, how many customers we have had and this award nomination” she said.

“It really is a dream come true to be in this position now after everything I have been through.”

Essex Bridal Hair has been shortlisted in the UK Hair and Beauty Awards and has placed top 10 in the district in the best bridal individual category.

“I had to put my passion for hair up on hold, since beating cancer I have gone full steam into my business,” Mrs Hodges said.

“I can’t believe it with so many talented bridal hair artists around, that I would be selected for this, but it just shows I can maybe be too critical of myself.

“I have proved that I can do this and that I can do it very well.”

The awards ceremony is set to be held on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 of April.