A Bury nail technician is "amazed" to have been nominated for industry award following a career change.
Natalie Reay, 33, has been nominated for two UK Hair and Beauty Awards including Best Gel Nails and Nail Technician of the Year after setting up her business in 2017.
The awards take place in June.
A former dental nurse, Natalie made the leap into the world of nails and beauty after her former boss retired.
She said it gave her the push she needed to do something she had “always wanted to do.”
She set up her business in 2017 and now rents a space at La Bellezza, on Walshaw Road in Bury.
Natalie said: “I decided to leave my full time dental nursing job to gain my level 3 nail technician qualification at Bury College in 2016.
READ MORE: Bury singer-songwriter Jsky to perform at Manchester Pride again
“Following this, I then went on to set up my nail business. I always had an interest and passion for nails.
"It is the best decision I’ve ever made, after a lot of practice, hard work and obstacles along the way, I have persevered and gained a wide clientele.
“I am grateful to be in a job I love that allows me to be creative with designs and nail art, keeping up with new techniques and ever-changing trends.
“It’s enjoyable to make people feel good about themselves and make them happy on new nail day!
"It’s really important to me to make my clients feel comfortable and relaxed, we have a good laugh and a chat. It’s more than just a nail appointment!
“It feels amazing to be shortlisted in two categories and have recognition from the UK Hair and Beauty Awards.”
Natalie added that business has been going well since she became her own boss, but said she has faced a few challenges, such as the pandemic.
READ MORE: Bury students wow judges to make it to final of competition
Now that salons are fully open once again, Natalie says she enjoys the challenge of keeping up with different trends in nail art.
She added: “Since getting the certificates its pushed me to progress with my art.”
"I started to build up my business it has gone from strength to strength, offering nails services to accommodate clients of all ages whether it be a plain colour set or more detailed hand painted art.
"I am excited to further grow my business and also offer artistic bespoke sets, as having a finalist status has given me the confidence and drive to do so."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here