A nail technician who started her own business in Windermere has seen her clinic be named as one of the best in England.

Alicja Grochala, the mind behind Alice Beauty Wonderland, is a finalist in three categories at the SOS Beauty Awards, with the ceremony taking place in Nottingham on June 1.

As well as her salon being put in the top 10 home clinics in the country, Alicja is also up for the Signature Treatment Award for nails and non-surgical facelifts.

She said: "Honestly, I didn't expect this - I left my application up to two days before the deadline! 

"It's a big responsibility, running a salon at home, you actually bring strangers to your house, where there is my child, my family, my private life."

Alicja described how recent struggles made the nomination all the sweeter, with it serving as recognition for her efforts in building up the business.

"I have been working really hard for little success for three years," she added. 

"I think that even if I don't get on the podium, being in the UK top 10 is a huge achievement."

She pinned a lot of her success on the Lake District and the people in and around Windermere who have supported her from the beginning.

"Throughout the entire period of building my business, despite my failures, burnout, ups and downs, my clients have always supported me.

"Even if something didn't work out, they were always with me, recommending me and making my existence known."

Whilst it will be the first time that Alicja has attended such a glamorous event, she is more than ready to battle the nerves and make the most of the evening.

"I can't wait to meet people whose work I have been passionate about for years and have the opportunity to exchange a few words with them.

"It's definitely a chance for my business to grow, since there are so many other talented beauticians out there.

"Winning would be something I could be proud of, that I have worked hard for but also that so many people contributed and made sacrifices for my success and I could not have done it without them all."