Let us present to you the future beauty icons of our industry. Recognised for their talent, flair and professionalism, get ready to be inspired by our 2019’s BABTAC Award Winners and what they feel about winning!
Click on the categories below to read their interviews....
-
WAXING THERAPIST, sponsored by Ellisons - DIANA JENNER
-
LASH SPECIALIST, sponsored by Lash Perfect - JESSICA HILLYARD
-
BEAUTY THERAPIST, sponsored by Ellisons & GOLD AWARD, sponsored by BABTAC - JENNIFER GLEN
-
ADVANCED AESTHETICIAN, sponsored by Janssen Cosmetics - AMANDA PEARSON
-
HOLISTIC THERAPIST, sponsored by Sequoia at The Grove - KATHERINE TONKINSON
-
SMALL SALON, sponsored by Consult with Confidence and LARGE SALON, sponsored by Premier Software - ZEN LIFESTYLE
-
MAKE-UP ARTIST, sponsored by ISOCLEAN - SITA GILL
-
ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR, sponsored by Dermalogica - LEIGHTON DENNY
-
BROW SPECIALIST, sponsored by HD Brows - SUMAN JALAF
-
NAIL TECHNICIAN, sponsored by Vitality - KAYLEY CAIRNS
WAXING THERAPIST 2019, sponsored by WaxXXX Academy
Diana Jenner
A BABTAC member since 2003, Diana has carried on the celebrations with her clients and is already setting her sights on next year’s awards!
What does winning this award mean to you?
Winning this award means that hard work, dedication and high standards pay dividends. As a therapist we build trust and confidence with our clients. It’s important to be Qualified, Verified and Insured in our profession and winning this award helps prove to my clients that I maintain this status.
What made you want to apply?
Initially I applied for this award in 2016 because I thought it would be a challenge to be amongst other top professionals in industry. The first two years I was a Finalist and Runner Up and it made me reflect, rebuild and repeat to try to become the best.
What was the toughest part of the application process?
It’s an in-depth process of gathering evidence, supporting documents and writing about myself which I find tough but I do value the process as it makes me reflect and dig deeper into my career and focus on my achievements and goals.
In your opinion what makes a stand out waxing therapist?
As a waxing therapist, it is important to ensure the highest hygiene standards are met with each client by using individual use items and a disinfected working station. It is essential for clients to feel at ease and confident that their Waxing Therapist will perform the job well but will also be discrete, professional and work in a timely manner throughout the treatment.
How did you celebrate your win?
Besides Champagne on the evening, I have hung my certificate alongside the trophy in the salon. I’ve also been giving my clients a little champagne truffle during each appointment to celebrate with them and thank them for their ongoing support and loyalty.
What’s on your to-do list for 2020?
I love having a list of goals and the 2020 list has already begun. In February, I will be running Tokyo Marathon for Hammersley Homes, this will be my fifth World Major Marathon and 13th in the past few years. Having run a lot of miles I thought a new discipline might give my knees a rest so I’ve signed up for Deloitte Ride Across Britain. It is a nine day route from Lands End to John O’Groats cycling over 100 miles along the road each day. I’ve only just started, so the challenge is not only the distance but also learning to be a road cyclist.
After winning the BABTAC Gold Award in 2016, it encouraged me to bring the dream of creating my own product range to fruition and Aurum D was born. Hopefully the product range will be launched Spring 2020. I will also be launching Signature D ‘Beauty in a Box’ - a business franchise to help support, inspire and mentor beauty professionals. It will help to ensure the highest standards are maintained whilst enabling others to run their own businesses and promote a strong network of professional therapists.
LASH SPECIALIST 2019, sponsored by Lash Perfect
Jessica Hillyard
Giving her focus through a tough time, Jessica’s award win is more than just a trophy to her, it’s a lesson to her peers and her family that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
What does winning this award mean to you?
It’s everything and has been a goal of mine since becoming an Eyelash Technician five years ago. Winning the award became a focus of mine during a difficult time in my personal life and I can now officially say that I have come out the other-side, bigger and better. I wanted to make my Mum and late Dad proud and show my eldest daughter that you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it, no matter what current circumstance your in.
What made you want to apply?
It was time to push myself further in the lash industry. I want to provide the highest standard of treatments to my clients and what better way than to be judged by one of the biggest beauty membership and insurance companies!
What was the toughest part of the application process?
Putting yourself forward and having the confidence to give it a go - it’s not just about winning a competition, it’s creating and setting a standard across the industry. Showing your clients and fellow beauticians that you’re pushing yourself to be the best you can be.
In your opinion what makes a stand out lash specialist?
It’s not only delivering a beautiful set of lashes, it’s doing the treatment in a safe and healthy way for you and your client - you want your client to walk away with a gorgeous set of lashes but not at the detriment of their own natural eyelashes. Creating a calm and inviting treatment area; giving your client 100% of your time and dedication and keeping up to date with the industry is so important. I’m so thankful to have a client base that trust me to deliver a treatment that is best suited to them, whether it’s the treatment itself or the style of lash extensions. Trying out new products and techniques is key, but also staying grounded and not buying into every gimmick.
How did you celebrate your win?
I have recently given birth to a beautiful baby girl, Rose so I have been shouting my win from the rooftops on social media until I return back to work from maternity leave. I plan to celebrate with my clients and colleagues as soon as I’m back!
BEAUTY THERAPIST, sponsored by Ellisons & GOLD AWARD, sponsored by BABTAC
.jpg)
Jennifer Glen
Taking home two awards, as well as being part of the winning salon team at Zen Lifestyle, Jennifer Glen is undeniably one to watch in the industry.
What does winning these awards mean to you?
Like a dream come true! I feel so blessed to have had the training and support of my Directors at Zen and I am so honoured to be receiving this award not only for myself, but as a tribute to them for the outstanding training and development they have given me.
What made you want to apply?
I’ve always hugely admired and respected the work that BABTAC and CIBTAC do for the beauty industry and it’s always been a dream of mine to apply and my goodness, I am so glad I did!
What was the toughest part of the application process?
Waiting to find out if I made the semi finals! I was so emotional even hearing I’d made them, let alone winning these awards. It was difficult to try and put into words what type of therapist I was when so much of our job is relating to the client face to face and a lot of what we do involves personal touch but I felt it was important to try and describe myself how my clients describe me.
In your opinion what makes a stand out beauty therapist?
Someone who has the motivation to continually strive for excellence - not just with their hands-on technique, but their desire to evolve in this fast-paced industry. Continual personal development is key to ensuring you are standing out and moving forward with new and innovative treatments and skincare. I believe a positive attitude is paramount to be successful in any area that you want to stand out in.
How did you celebrate your win?
When I arrived home from London my husband had a bottle of Champagne chilling which was just wonderful. We also have Zen’s 20 year anniversary party soon where we will all celebrate as a team and raise a glass to both the awards and our fantastic team that make my day as fun and enjoyable as it is! It’s been very touching hearing such kind words of affection from my long standing, loyal clientele and there has been a little celebration each and every time I share the news with them during their appointment.
What’s on your to-do list for 2020?
I have a really exciting year ahead with developing treatments and training within Zen but along with that I look forward to a second honeymoon with my husband and we are hoping to spend a few weeks together somewhere exotic.
ADVANCED AESTHETICIAN 2019, sponsored by Janssen Cosmetics
Amanda Pearson
Proof that stepping outside your comfort zone pays dividends, Amanda Pearson not only took her career from beauty treatments to aesthetics, she’s now an avid video producer!
What does winning this award mean to you?
I am absolutely delighted as I have spent the past two years doing a tremendous amount of education and re-education. I originally trained and worked as a traditional beauty therapist in my 20’s but then returned to study and gained a degree in biology. With this qualification I worked for a while in medical pharmaceuticals and it was during this time that I developed a more in depth interest in product ingredients and effects. I have always been interested in skin health, gut health and the use of non-invasive treatments and techniques so I took the leap and stopped offering a full range of beauty services in order to re-brand as a dedicated skin clinic. It was one of the most nerve-wracking decisions I have ever made but winning this award has endorsed and supported my decision to specialise.
What made you want to apply?
Because of my decision to specialise in skin alone, I felt I needed some endorsement and recognition for the clinic, our qualifications and our treatments. BABTAC & CIBTAC are the champions of both industry and educational standards, so their awards were the natural choice for me.
How long have you been a member of BABTAC/CIBTAC ?
Pretty much since started my career as a beauty therapist - I was 21 then and I’m 51 now!
What was the toughest part of the application?
The video! Being somewhat technically challenged, the actual making of it was tricky. It really was stepping out of my comfort zone but on reflection making the video was a great learning tool in itself, giving me a great way of seeing my work through different eyes. It also caused a lot of hilarity amongst both my wonderful team in the clinic, and my long-suffering children whom I forced to help me with the editing.
In your opinion what makes a stand out aesthetician?
Knowledge, professionalism, experience and education. I think an aesthetician should not just treat and improve skin health but also educate their clients in all factors that contribute to a healthy skin. Empowering clients by sharing knowledge builds client trust in the professional and I consider this to be very important, more now than ever. I see the long-term damage from fad treatments and misinformation daily, so am passionate that my team gain educated insight and invest in their education to create a stand out clinic experience.
How did you celebrate your win?
During October we offered a Star Bespoke Facial and added a glass of bubbles to our post facial offerings! To say thank you to my dedicated and supportive team I will be hosting an awards dinner of our own, with some top star Skin Revolution awards. On a personal level my children and I will be spending quality time together. They have blessed me with their belief in me, support and encouragement, even when I haven’t been as present as I have wanted to be for them.
What’s on your to do list for 2020?
For the clinic it’s getting all staff started on their level 4 qualifications. We will continue to develop our service provision and education in order to support clients on their cancer journey. Creating and implementing a green ethics policy within the clinic is also a hot topic in salon with the team and we all strongly feel that doing our bit both a home and at work is a must. On a personal level 2020 seems to be the year of outdoor therapy. I would like to create some space in my diary to take up regular mindfulness practice. I have just started to improve my garden to create a connected space where I can kick back and relax with my dogs. My children have decided next summer should be a year of festivals so I might well upgrade my tent, a video on me putting this up is apparently on the cards!
What advice would you give to anyone thinking about applying for the awards next year?
Go for it! Don’t over think entering the awards, or waste time worrying about what other people are doing. Things are not all they seem on social media. Completing the application and the dreaded video are a learning opportunity in their own right, they will make you look at your business from a fresh and different angle. Like me, you might be amazed at what can happen!
HOLISTIC THERAPIST 2019, sponsored by Sequoia at The Grove
Katherine Tonkinson
After being a finalist in this category for the past two years, Katherine knew she was close and after sheer determination and dedication this year she got the prestigious top spot.
What does winning this award mean to you?
It feels like such a great personal achievement. It’s the third time I have entered this category and after being a finalist I had to take a good look at myself and vow to be better next time. I always want to improve on what I do.
What made you want to apply?
I wanted to challenge myself. Theodore Roosevelt once said ‘nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty...’. Whilst the process was not painful, a whole lot of effort went in to apply and sometimes when I thought, “is it really worth it?” I would come to the conclusion, that yes it was. Being a finalist in this category for two years and winning Innovator in 2017 has opened doors, that without this accolade, I feel would have been shut. For example I volunteered at the Invictus Games Trails in Sheffield this year, offering ScarWork and Holistic Therapies to the competitors.
What was the toughest part of the application process?
Trying to find the words to answer why I felt I should win. I am not one for blowing my own trumpet and this took me out of my comfort zone.
In your opinion what makes a stand out holistic therapist?
Treating people how you would like to be treated is a great start. I seek out the best products and have the fluffiest towels and blankets. I read journals and research to keep abreast with what’s happening in the industry and train with leading industry professionals. I don’t just want to do a good job, I want people who have had to work hard to earn the money to come and see me, to have the best treatment.
How did you celebrate your win?
Sequoia Spa at The Grove sponsored this category and when I received my award I was presented with a beautiful crystal engraved trophy and an envelope with a voucher for an overnight stay at The Grove for two, dinner and a treatment. I am very much looking forward to spending a night there with my partner enjoying everything that it has to offer. I’m also going to reward myself with a new watch!
What’s on your to-do list for 2020?
I plan to go to Bali and train in Traditional Balinese Massage. I also freelance for a luxury skincare brand and train for them all over the world so I am looking forward to going back to South Africa and visiting some new destinations (New York and Los Angeles). I also want to train in Manual Lymphatic Drainage - something close to my heart as my best friend has lymphedema in her arm following treatment for Breast Cancer... a condition that is incurable. She has to have regular massage and wear pressure bandages so I want to be able to treat her and other women like her who find themselves with this condition.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking about applying for the awards next year?
It’s a long process and hard work, but that is what makes being part of these awards so rewarding. I have met amazing people and by competing (and losing) got up, dusted myself off and started all over again. I couldn’t be happier.
SMALL SALON, sponsored by Consult with Confidence and LARGE SALON, sponsored by Premier Software
Zen Lifestyle
To win one salon award is amazing, to win both means you’re unbeatable. Fiona Fowley, Director at the salon group reveals the secrets to success.
What does winning both of these awards mean to you?
It is a huge honour and privilege for all the hard work that my team and I put in on a daily basis to be recognised and it’s amazing to have won when the competition is so fierce nowadays.
What made you want to apply?
It is great to get recognition from BABTAC/CIBTAC, especially as they are focused on improving standards and education within the industry, which I am also very passionate about.
How long have you been a member of BABTAC/CIBTAC?
My initial membership with BABTAC dates back to 1991! I was self-employed and just out of college, renting a room in a hair salon.
What was the toughest part of the application process?
The application is very detailed so you do need to be prepared to put a good amount of time aside to give it your best shot. However, I feel this is really great as it means the process is thorough. In the actual interviews you need to get as much information over as possible in a short space of time which does require proper preparation. So, you really need to prioritise what makes you different and answer the question very concisely.
In your opinion what makes a stand out salon?
Consistency is critical. We try hard to have continuity within the staff so regardless of which therapist you get you should get award-winning standards. We achieve this by spending a lot of time focusing on training throughout a therapist’s career. We have a very coaching-based style to all our training, reviews and communication throughout the business, which we feel helps each team member to take responsibility for their contribution.
How did you celebrate your win?
We are having a big party in November to celebrate 20 years in business so this will be a great time to celebrate our win. We are also currently sending out press releases to a lot of magazines and newspapers to spread the word and will include the awards wins in our advertising and marketing activities.
What’s on your to-do list for 2020?
We are going to be focusing on taking our training to the next level and are working with BABTAC/CIBTAC to improve the structure and content of our training programmes. We are really excited about this project and have some exciting plans to offer our training courses to a wider audience.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking about applying for the awards next year?
Definitely enter - even to get to the final is a huge achievement. Be really organised with your submission and take your time when putting it together. Make sure you are properly answering the questions you are being asked and keep the points valid and concise - they get a lot of entries so ensure what you say is relevant and focus on what makes you different.
MAKE-UP ARTIST, sponsored by ISOCLEAN
Sita Gill
The second time Sita has won this award, she hasn’t rested on her laurels and her drive and determination is as fierce as ever.
What does winning this award mean to you?
This is the second time I have won the Make up Artist category and for me I can honestly say I have no words to fully express how honoured I feel to have received such a prestigious award. Winning for me has confirmed that hard work, dedication and commitment is the key to success. People always tell me I work too hard but I believe working hard has helped me become the businesswomen I have today.
What made you want to apply?
I am so passionate about my life as a Hair and Make up artist and I just want to tell the world about it. I can honestly say I have the best job in the world.
What was the toughest part of the application process?
To be honest, I truly believe when you are filling out an application for anything which means so much to you it’s always going to be difficult however although each process was hard and competitive the video showing my skills was the hardest part. I wanted to capture and show everything I do with my clients, from consultation to the actual treatment and the end result.
In your opinion what makes a stand out make-up artist?
I am dedicated to my profession and continue to attend accredited masterclasses for both hair and make up. I only use trusted brands in my kit and I believe this helps me to achieve the perfect result every time.
How did you celebrate your win?
I will be celebrating with family and friends and adding to my list of goals. I have something in the pipeline so watch this space.
What’s on your to-do list for 2020?
I intend to improve my hair artistry by attending more masterclasses and setting new business goals.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking about applying for the awards next year?
Be yourself and always remember you can achieve everything you want as long as you work at it.
ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR, sponsored by Dermalogica
Leighton Denny
Brand owner, expert and now an industry icon, Leighton still gets a high every time he wins an award, especially one such as game-changing as this.
What does winning this award mean to you?
You work so hard in the shadows and there’s always so much going on that people would never even realise, so when you win an award it’s amazing to receive that recognition. This award is particularly special for me, not only as it’s from such a prestigious, long-standing organisation like BABTAC but it has given me an opportunity to celebrate my career. Normally I’m so focused on what I’m working on and how to move things forward that I don’t have time to stop and think about what I’ve achieved and the successes I’ve had.
What made you want to apply?
My PR Nancy Brady planted the seed suggesting I apply for more business-focused awards so when I came across the award in Vitality magazine I thought why not?
How long have you been a member of BABTAC/CIBTAC?
I’ve been a member of BABTAC all throughout my career until I retired from doing private clients in 2014 and moved to LA. I re-joined when I moved back to the UK four years later.
What was the toughest part of the application process?
Being dyslexic it was tricky to properly articulate my thoughts and achievements for the award application. I am much more of a creative person than academic and although I do run things past my PR agency it isn’t always easy.
In your opinion what qualities do you need to posses to be a successful entrepreneur?
To be a successful entrepreneur, it’s got to be in your blood. You have to be able to see opportunities others don’t. Most people think about how to get from A to B, but entrepreneurs are thinking how to get from A to F. As an entrepreneur you’ve got to take (calculated) risks so you have to believe in yourself and what you’re doing. Failure isn’t on the table when you’re an entrepreneur – every mistake is a lesson and you might be surprised at the successes can come from them. Having lots of strings to your bow is key to success – don’t turn down opportunities to learn new skills, whether that’s leadership, communication or creative expertise.
What’s on your to-do list for 2020?
Since taking a back seat from appearing on the front line with my brands, I’ve been focusing more on product development so although there’s a lot in the pipeline for 2020, unfortunately I can’t divulge details quite yet. I’m also going to be spending a lot of the next year focusing on and raising awareness for a cause that’s been close to my heart for most of my life.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking about applying for the awards next year?
Go for it! What have you got to lose? Even if you don’t win the application process helps to focus your mind and gather important pieces of information.
BROW SPECIALIST, sponsored by HD Brows
Suman Jalaf
A dedicated team player, Suman is on a mission to raise standards in her team and the industry with this award a huge recognition of her achievements.
What does winning this award mean to you?
Winning this award is recognition from my peers and colleagues (and even my competition!) that the work I do is held in high esteem in the beauty industry which means a huge amount to me. Together we are all continually aiming to improve, meet our clients’ needs and deliver them first-class service. I am accepting this award not only on my own behalf but also the industry I am proud to represent.
What made you want to apply?
When I entered as a beauty therapist some years ago, I came runner up and I talked to the judges about having a specific brow specialist award. I’m so pleased they listened and established it the following year.
How long have you been a member of BABTAC/CIBTAC?
Ever since I came out of beauty college in 2002!
What was the toughest part of the application process?
To be honest, it was making sure I’d compiled the best examples of my work so that I could give it my best shot - you know you’re going to be judged by people who know their stuff! I worked with a professional videographer to record my services and was also very lucky to get some VIP clients to speak about my work as testimonials.
What’s on your to-do list for 2020?
From a business point of view, my 2020 goal is to expand the brand (I am opening a Microblading Academy to help raise the standards of the service) and also to continue to embed a strong team ethos so that we can continue to celebrate our future successes together. Personally, to maintain my sanity, I will be going on a few retreats to reinvigorate myself!
What advice would you give to anyone thinking about applying for the awards next year?
I would advise people to pursue their goals, focus on achieving them and success will follow.
NAIL TECHNICIAN 2019, sponsored by Vitality
.jpg)
Kayley Cairns
It was third time lucky for Kayley and now she is a BABTAC winner she is already thinking about her next advancement in nails.
What does winning this award mean to you?
It means that perseverance and determination paid off. Its the third time i had entered and it was great to look at previous entries and improve on them and finally win.
What made you want to apply?
I am determined and pretty stubborn so i really wanted to enter this year to prove to myself that i could do it! Entering competitions helps me to look at my business and skills in a really critical way and identify areas to build and improve
What was the toughest part of the application process?
Getting across all the little things that you do without thinking about but that make you a conscientious professional. Remembering the small details that seem mundane but are so important to achieve.
In your opinion what makes a stand out Nail Technician?
They should have a variety of skills, should be able to perform to a high standard whilst under pressure and have the skill and knowledge to be able to be scrutinised and questioned on all areas of their service giving knowledgeable answers and explanations for what they are doing. They should be someone that recognises the necessity of regular CPD and staying current within a fast paced industry.
How did you celebrate your win?
I have had such a great time recently winning BABTAC alongside a few other professional competitions so so i am actually going to treat myself to somewhere to display my new trophies! Then i am going to enjoy a little down time before the Christmas rush.
What’s on your to-do list for 2020?
My goal is to upskill my gel enhancement - its my weakest area so i am going to do some training in it before entering a gel competition next September.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking about applying for the awards next year?
Go for it! You never know if you can or cant do something until you try and even if you don't succeed, you will certainly learn something, there is literally nothing to loose.