A WOMAN who became a beauty therapist after being made redundant has spoken of her delight at being nominated for a T&A award.
We asked readers to share which beauty salon in the district they thought should take the top spot in the Telegraph & Argus 'Best Beauty Salon 2024' competition.
Readers nominated their favourite via our online voting platform and we aim to profile all 10 finalists in the coming days.
Today the T&A is featuring Clayton-based Ellie Mortimer Makeup and Beauty.
"I'm quite surprised to be nominated," said Ellie.
"It's a pleasant surprise but I'm a bit shocked.
"I do a lot of bridal makeup, so a lot of those clients are not returning customers.
"A lot of brides said they voted for me, which is lovely."
Ellie added: "I do believe in making a good impression."
Ellie does makeup, facials, eyelashes, and eyebrows.
"Makeup is seasonal," said Ellie.
"You have wedding season, prom, Christmas, and festivals. I have a lot of regular lash clients.
"I qualified in lockdown after I was made redundant. I've now had a career change and I've been doing this for 2 1/2 years. I started in May 2022."
Ellie, who has her own room at a salon in Clayton, has already won one award and is a finalist for another.
"I won Best New Business at last year's North of England Wedding Awards. I am finalist the Health and Beauty category at this year's awards," she said.
Ellie admitted that doing makeup for weddings is her passion.
"You always get to spend the morning with a person on the biggest day of their life.
"It's also nice to collaborate with photographers and hair stylists.
"However, it does mean that I have to sometimes get up at 4am to sometimes get up to seven people made up for a wedding.
"It's always a busy morning and I need lots of coffee."
Ellie added: "While they're getting their makeup done it sometimes suddenly dawns on them 'I'm getting married'.
"Brides' reactions to everything on the morning is always mixed, as some are more calm and others are stressed.
"You have to be good at reading people," Ellie said. "I'm putting the therapist into beauty therapist."
- The voting coupon will run in the paper until October 12
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