Monica Crook, owner of Nail's by Monica at 47 Sidmouth High Street says she was 'surprised' that people nominated her as beautician of the year.

Monica opened her business, based at Kylie Howitt in the High Street at the start of 2023. Offering nail technician work and painting. 

Her store has been really busy since opening and she also has big plans for the future, from October 1 she is taking over as owner of Kylie Howitt, offering eyebrow and cosmetic work as well as nail tech.

Monica studied hair and beauty at college, before becoming working at Hays Travel in the High Street, she then went back to college to study for her hair and beauty qualification and started her own business.

Monica said: "I was really surprised when I heard the news, I didn't think that my customers would vote for me, as entries were postal, but they did and I am really proud to have won the award.

"This is my first award since opening, so to be recognised in this way, so early on by the local newspaper is really lovely and I will be displaying the certificate proudly in store.

"Things have been really busy at the moment, as I prepare to take over ownership of the salon, but its great to be expanding the business to offer more services. I have a few new people starting as well which will be exciting, they can help me to take on more clients.

Voting for Sidmouth Herald's beautician of the year opened on March 1, and residents had to fill in and post a slip from the paper, nominating their favorite hair salon or barber in the town.

Runners-up include The Beauty Box by Rhi, Beauty Within, Seabrease Health and Beauty, Jenna’s lash and beauty lounge, Kylie Howitt Beauty Studios, The Nail Pond, The Edit clinic, Blush Beauty Sidmouth and Total FX, Sidmouth.

For more information, follow Nails by Monica on Facebook or her Instagram page.