A WOMAN from Deganwy was crowned a double-winner of the category she was nominated in at the UK Hair and Beauty Awards 2023.

Leanne Liepins, who runs Leanne Liepins Hair from within The Hair Shop salon in Colwyn Bay, won the best bridal individual (hair) prize not only for Wales, but for the UK as a whole.

She celebrated her victories with her partner, family and colleagues at the awards ceremony in Birmingham on Saturday (April 22).

Leanne said: “It was nerve-wracking - I’m relieved now that it’s over!

“There was 11 of us in total – a few people from the salon, my partner, my mum, and my brother and sister.

North Wales Pioneer: Leanne receiving one of her awards (left) and her glass trophy (right)Leanne receiving one of her awards (left) and her glass trophy (right) (Image: Leanne Liepins)

“I didn’t expect it at all. There were some very, very good people; the competition was really strong. I was looking and thinking: ‘Can I beat this person?’, because there were all so good.

“I couldn’t call it, but I didn’t go in there thinking I was going to win.

“I’m just so grateful for all of the support. I’ve had so many messages from people in the area since I got home. Everyone’s just so supportive around here.”

READ MORE:

Deganwy woman among finalists at UK Hair and Beauty Awards 2023

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Leanne received a glass trophy, plus a “goody bag” from each of the awards’ sponsors, as her prize.

She had to enter four examples of her work to pass the first stage of the competition, and then sent in a further six which went towards deciding the overall winner.

The 32-year-old added: “I was more nervous for the Wales award, because I know that if I didn’t win that one, I wouldn’t be put through to the UK one.

“I didn’t think I stood a chance in the UK one, so it wasn’t even in my mind, really.

“I guess it just proved that if you have a passion for something, then you can achieve good things.”

“It was just nice to be there with everyone; I’m grateful that everyone travelled there with me – I think we were the loudest table in the room.

“It was nice for some people from the salon to be there, as well, because I guess they know how nervous I am, and how much it meant to me to be crowned the winner.”