A SALON owner says she is "unbelievably grateful" after it was voted best in the business by Echo readers.

Luna Grace Hair, in Southchurch Road, Southchurch, is the Echo's Salon of the Year winner.

The salon, run by Beth Gutheil and her team, was opened 18 months ago. 

Beth, who is also a senior stylist, said: "We’re so proud of how well the salon is doing.

"We’ve gone from strength to strength, and have such a supportive and amazingly talented team."

Beth took over the salon premises in June 2020 in order to give her family financial security after her husband Joel was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

"I had always wanted to own a salon but when we found out Joel had a brain tumour it made me even more determind to give the family financial security," she said. 

"Joel is doing really well and has been giving the all clear thankfully and the business is doing well thanks to my lovely team and customers."

The family comprises of Joel's children Olivia, 13, Ella, nine, and Beth's son Alex, 12 and their two-and-a-half-year-old daughter Luna Grace, who the salon is named after.

At the salon there is senior stylist Sharon Merrit, senior stylist Louise Buckleton, junior stylist Jihyang Nam and apprentice Alex Sparks.

“We’re so unbelievably grateful to every one of our clients who voted for us, and those who didn’t get a chance, who have been so supportive of us from day one," said Beth.

The salon is also in the finals for a further five awards for the UK Hair and Beauty Awards; Best New Salon, Entrepreneur of the Year, and Apprentice of the Year, Best New Business of the Year and Hair Salon of the Year.

Beth said: “The Echo Hairdressers of the Year means the world to us as it’s a local competition, for local businesses, supported by local people, and we as a salon are all about providing beautiful hair to the beautiful community of Southchurch we live and work in.”

For more details search "Luna Grace Hair" on Facebook.