Englands Business Awards: Hair By Jo best hair stylists in the country

Joanne Carson's 'Hair By Jo', on Strensall green in Buttershaw, came through a strong field at the grand final of the Englands Business Awards in Birmingham on Sunday.

She was invited to the national ceremony in Birmingham after picking up the Yorkshire gong in September.

"I can't put into words how I feel, it is absolutely crazy," Joanne said reacting to her win.

"The Yorkshire award was surreal but this is something else, I don't think it has sunk in yet.

"I didn't expect to win. It is a passion for me, not just a job. I genuinely love what I do."

The unisex salon - which offers different methods of hair extensions and advanced colouring techniques - was one of six regional nominees on the night.

Joanne was keen to thank those who voted and have stuck by her during the tough times of Covid.

She added: "I opened just before lockdown in uncertain times. I'm just really thankful that my clients have remained loyal down the years.

"The support has been through the roof. Everybody is saying it is well deserved. It is just nice to see hard work being recognised.

"One of my clients said it is nice to bring something positive to Buttershaw."

Joanne holding her Yorkshire award (Image: Newsquest)

Not only did Jo win an award for her salon, but she met one of her favourite celebrities at the event.

The beautician said: "The evening was fantastic. It was a lot busier than the Yorkshire awards.

"The whole table cheered and stood up. I just threw my head in my hands, I could not believe it.

"I even got a celebrity selfie with Ryan Thomas. I facetimed my children to tell them the news and he congratulated me, so I asked him for a picture.

"Everyone was just supporting each other, congratulating the winners, it was such a lovely atmosphere."

Posting the news on the business's Facebook page, Joanne said: "The most amazing moment ever.

"I can't thank every single one of you enough for making this possible.

"I genuinely cannot believe this."

And on the future, she added: "I just want to keep moving forward and try to build a bigger clientele base.

"Eventually I would like to go into teaching in the next 10 years or so."