An Oakham-based Hairdresser and Beautician has been included in the District Top Ten list of finalists for the UK Hair & Beauty Awards in the Education Excellence category.

Emily Clarke, who runs Hair & Beauty By Emily has been selected by a panel of judges to be included in the District Top Ten of the national award for her eduction and training excellence.

Emily has been in the industry since 2008 and has gained a great deal of experience both practicing and teaching, alongside caring for her 3 young daughters with proud partner, Martin.

Emily is a finalist in the national competiton. Image credit: Emily Clarke.

Emily explained: "I currently work as a mobile hairdresser and beautician alongside running the training academy. I always knew I wanted to teach hair and beauty one day as it's my absolute passion but having 3 young daughters I never seemed to have found the right time to do it. However, lockdown hit in 2020 and, being unable to work, I decided it was the right time to do my Level 3 AET (award in education and training).

"I successfully completed the course and worked for a company for a year teaching hair and beauty courses online and in person - when allowed due to the numerous lockdowns!

"I loved that I was a mobile educator so I could travel to salons and peoples homes. I then decided after a year I wanted to be independent, so I got my own courses accredited so they are certified to industry standards and fully insurable and this year I decided to enter the UK Hair & Beauty Awards.

Emily's teaching has been recognised. Image credit: Emily Clarke.

Now, Emily offers courses for complete beginners to those wanting a refresher in services they are already trained in, 1-2-1 or small groups, having already taught numerous courses in and around of Rutland.

Emily added: "I always knew I wanted to teach hair and beauty and one day and the opportunity came, so I jumped at the chance. Now I offer courses in nails, spray tanning, eyebrow and eyelash treatments, hair extensions and much more."

Emily offers a range of treatments. Image credit: Emily Clarke.

Emily said: "We are very limited here in Rutland as to where we can access hair and beauty courses that are fully accredited and insurable, and I myself have had to travel a considerable distance to access training courses.

"I absolutely love teaching it really is a dream come true and seeing a students work after they have trained and watching them grow in confidence is just incredible. I offer ongoing support to all students as I don't believe in just teaching a student the course, and that's that to have a good support network especially when you're self employed and working alone really helps."

Congratulations and good luck to Emily! Image credit: Emily Clarke.

The UK Hair & Beauty Awards are set to go ahead in Birmingham on 21 April and 22 April 2023.

Emily concluded: "I entered the awards not expecting anything more so just for the experience really so to be placed as a finalist was incredible but to now be placed in the Top Ten is very surreal and I am so happy. Unfortunately I am unable to attend but I will be watching live at home with my partner Martin and our 3 girls."

The winners for the Education Excellence Award in the UK Hair & Beauty Awards will be announced by a celebrity host on the 22 April in Birmingham.

Good luck Emily!