A BUSINESS which has gone from rags to riches has been shortlisted for two top awards.

Danielle Cook, who is based in Halstead’s Super Soft Laser Clinic, has seen success in the 2023 Hair and Beauty Awards, being nominated in the Beauty Therapist of the Year and Best New Salon categories.

Danielle wanted to be in the beauty industry since her school days, starting off as a Saturday girl in a hairdressers when she was 15.

She said: “I didn't then pursue it further until I was in my 20s when I completed my beauty qualifications and started my lash business.

“This started off as a hobby before I decided to put my all into it and made it into my full-time job and started working from home in my garage.

“I unfortunately lost my dad whilst becoming pregnant with my first child in 2017, so this was the right time to choose this path as it was a distraction from my family’s loss.”

Halstead Gazette: Danielle has been growing her business for yearsDanielle has been growing her business for years (Image: N/A)

Danielle’s business and client base grew, supporting her hugely throughout lockdown.

She said: “In February 2020 I gave birth to my second child who was premature, five weeks before the first lockdown.

“Lockdown was hard for everyone, but my clients showed me tremendous support and most became friends.

“When the restrictions were lifted every single client returned to me, which was very overwhelming, but it is a feeling I will never forget.”

In October 2020 Danielle expanded her expertise into the laser treatment sector and bought a hair removal machine, before being approached earlier this year by a London businesswoman to work alongside her and her husband at their new clinic in Sudbury.

Danielle said: “The doors this has opened up for my business are amazing and I'm excited to see what the future has in store for us.

“The location is just outstanding, and all my clients absolutely love it. I now feel like I am a proper professional.

“One day I will have my own premises with my own staff, but for now this is the start of an unthinkable chapter I cannot wait to read.”

The finalists from the awards will compete locally before heading to the national grand final red carpet event.