A MOBILE Bradford business is celebrating being named the best tanning expert in Britain.

Selfie Mobile Tanning managed to fend off eight other superb finalists in the UK to take home a The British Hair and Beauty Award.

Owner Lisa Howard has run the business, which serves customers across West Yorkshire, for the last seven years.

"It feels really good. I was quite shocked," she told the Telegraph & Argus after winning the gong last month.

"I did not think I would have a chance. It is nice to get some recognition for the work you are doing."

Selfie Tanning was given a gold certificate and overall winner award in an online ceremony on Monday, August 21.

Mrs Howard is keen to make sure her customers know her service is more than just a spray tan.
Woman empowerment is at the core of everything the owner does.

Earlier this year, with the help of seven local ladies, she launched a campaign to show 'every body is a summer body'. 

"My business is about empowering women as well as spray tanning," she said.

"I use my platform to try to make people feel more comfortable with their bodies and themselves. The spray tan is a confidence boost for them.

"I always say it is a lot more than just tanning. My clients can open up, it is a safe non-judgement zone.

"The way the world is going now, the beauty standards are quite high and people try to compare themselves to that.

"Making people feel good about themselves is a really nice feeling.

"We have stretch marks and bumps we don't like but that is the case for everyone."

Mrs Howard started off in her mother's living room when she was a single parent with a young daughter.

The journey since then has been remarkable culminating in capturing a British Hair and Beauty award.

She added: "I used to go to my mum's front room and do tans for like a fiver.

"My clients started having babies and working late so they could not get to me.

"I thought I would go mobile so they can put their kids to bed and then have a spray tan at home, that way it is more convenient. It just stuck then.

"I go to their house, pop the tent up and spray the client. This is my seventh year."