Burnley nail salon owner Lesley is on point with international prizes

Lesley Lawrence, who owns Hard As Nails Beauty and Training in Padiham Road, Ightenhill, said she was overjoyed after excelling in the International World Nail Championships, following a difficult year of lockdowns throughout the pandemic.

She said: "After suffering three lockdowns, the last one being the worst, like many salons throughout the UK, I suffered both financially and mentally, having to look at other ways of channeling my energies to come out fighting fit for my business after lockdown.

"I teach courses for students from my salon - beginners through to advanced, but even I felt I'd lost my mojo for returning to work due to being off that long. I decided to take extra online training from a colleague in Spain in extreme sculpting and fantasy nails.

And in nine amazing weeks, Lesley managed to put her salon back on the nail map by entering five International World Nail Championships; competing against the best from all around the world.

Lesley won first prize in Master categories in Norway, two first prizes in Greece, first prize in South Africa, first prize in Bulgaria and the biggest one of all in Dubai where she entered 10 Master categories.

She said: "I placed six second places, and four third places in the Dubai Briliant Cup, where I competed against over 1,400 competitors. Due to placing in all 10 categories, I won overall third place in the Grand Prix title.

"My clients are thrilled to bits and I couldn't have done this without their on-going support during what has been a difficult time. They have kept me sane and encouraged me to push my boundaries through online messages of support.

"I am proof that even through the bad times, we can get through it if we help and support each other! its about the sunshine after the rain.

"We are hoping this is our last lockdown, but something positive has come out of it. It has pushed my own creative boundaries,testing my skills and proven to my clients and students that there is life after lockdown."