Windermere salon business picks up first national award

Alicja Grochala, who set up Alice Beauty and Aesthetics in Windermere, was competing at the SOS Beauty Awards on Saturday, June 1.

As well as her salon being put in the top 10 home clinics in the country, Alicja was also up for the Signature Treatment Award for nails and non-surgical facelifts.

She earned the top spot in the nails category, a runners-up place for non-surgical facelifts, and ended up being named as the fourth best clinic nationwide.

Alicja said: "I think that for the first event of this type I took part in, it didn't go bad.

"800 businesses entered, approximately 200 people in each category, so the competition was really high.

"It was the first such event I had ever attended and I didn't know what to expect - I hoped I wouldn't have to give a speech because I probably would have cried!"

Alicja is building up a noteworthy reputation in Windermere (Image: Submitted)

The success has only added to the surprise of initially being shortlisted in the first place, with Alicja leaving the application process until two days before the deadline.

For the business owner, the recognition is just reward for the effort she has put into growing it from humble origins.

"I have been working really hard for little success for three years," Alicja added.

"Throughout the entire period of building my business, despite my failures, burnout, ups and downs, my clients have always supported me.

"Winning is something I could be proud of, that I have worked hard for, but also that so many people contributed and made sacrifices for my success and I could not have done it without them all."

And now, having been given a brief taste of glory, Alicja has her targets set on building upon the success.

"This is certainly not the last attempt to take first place in each selected category," she said.

"Next year it will be repeated - I'm coming!"