A beautician who changed her career after waking one morning dreading going to work has been shortlisted for a national hair and beauty award.

Stephanie Jade Ashley runs SJA Clinic in Sale is in with a chance of winning the Best in Aesthetics category at this year's UK Hair and Beauty Awards.

Miss Ashley, who opened her clinic during lockdown said: "The moment I realised I wanted to change my career was when I was sitting clock watching, counting down the hours till the end of my working day.

"I remember waking in the morning dreading going in to work.

"It was time to re-evaluate what I enjoyed in life if I could use my degree and research if it was possible to make a career out of it.

"I decided to take the chance and study the pathway course into aesthetics back in December 2019.

"Straight away my passion grew and I knew this was the path for me.

"I open SJA Clinic back in September 2020 during the Covid pandemic and grew my business and clientele through social media such as Instagram.

"The best thing with this career is seeing my client's reactions to their treatment results, the smiles, and seeing your client's confidence grow in front of you is one of the best feelings.

"I also like to show that aesthetic treatments can be natural and can also be more obvious, it's all down to personal preference.

"I feel very proud to be shortlisted as a finalist for the Best in Aesthetics category, and wish every other person who got this far within the industry huge good luck.

"And lastly a massive thank you so much to my clients, followers, and supporters who make this possible, SJA Clinic wouldn’t be here without them."

The UK Hair and Beauty Awards celebrate the hair and beauty industry with an aim to support businesses both large and small and expose all candidates to new opportunities via social media, no matter their financial and social status.

After a long year of struggle and strife for so many UK-based hair and beauty industry professionals, the Hair and Beauty Awards is breaking down barriers, helping contestants build followings and recognition- even if they don’t win.

That is why they are celebrating the entire process of the competition this year and all the amazing talent that has entered.

Connect with SJA Clinic via @SJA_Clinic (Facebook) @SJA_Clinic (Instagram)