A KENDAL business woman has recently had her salon named as Best in Cumbria at the England Business Awards.

Amy Annabel, 27, who was born in Kendal, is the owner of Bellas Nails and Beauty salon.

Located on Lowther Street, Amy’s Bellas Nail and Beauty Salon was the winner of the Cumbria’s Best Nail Salon at the award ceremony held in Carlisle on November 16.

Amy will also be celebrating the salon’s fifth anniversary on December 2.

She said: "The five years I've had this business have been incredible.

"The first shop I opened was in the Phoenix Gym and I was there for about a year and a half.

"I moved into the town centre after that and it was like a stepping stone.

"I grew it for those five years and it just got bigger over time. I had more clients and it got busier very quickly.

"It was a nightmare with Covid but the salon got through it all and kept expanding. Before lockdown I was even look at getting a place in Bowness.

"When I got into beauty, I always wanted to own my own salon.

"I want to make people feel better so I started working in Kendal and gained some experience.

"I love my job and my clients.

"I don't know who actually nominated me for the award but it was back in the first lockdown I heard about it.

"I do hope they come forward at some point.

"I told my family and friends about it and just thought it would be a good night out for us all.

"I was really shocked when they called my name out.

"It all worked out really well because I had the day off work and they had a really amazing three course meal.

"There were so many people getting so many awards and those who were named get to go through to another round of awards to be held in Manchester.

"I'll go for the experience but this award alone means so much to me.

"At the salon it's just me at the moment. I hope to continue with what I'm doing and I'm so grateful to everyone who has supported me through this whole thing."

Amy's sister Zoe said: "As a family we are all extremely proud of Amy and her achievements.

"From the age of 21 she has owned her own business and her success is a real showcase of her work ethic and passion for what she does."