AN INDEPENDENT business owner who battled through the loss of her father and the Covid pandemic has been recognised with the Echo’s hair and beauty award.
Nicky Munro, 46, began her business in 2001 at the age of 23, opening Nicky’s Nails and Beauty in a small unit above Shafers Arcade in Benfleet.
Initially, Nicky was a solo nail technician and had no clients or any financial backing.
After countless hours posting flyers through doors and advertising her business, it gradually grew.
Now she boats a well-established business and alongside her team treats hundreds of customers.
She said: “It’s amazing, it’s so nice that so many people went out of their way to vote for us.
“We have had a bit of a time of it lately, after all that, it’s ever so lovely.
“With this award in hand, Nicky’s Nails and Beauty looks forward to the future with excitement and optimism.
“We are grateful for the continued support of our loyal clients and are eager to explore new opportunities and further enhance our services.”
Nicky moved her business above her father’s business, Golden Travel, in 2004.
She faced a serious personal challenge in 2012 after her father was diagnosed with cancer and was forced to closed his business, leading her to take over the building.
Her father tragically passed away in 2014 and this took a heavy toll on Nicky.
She faced more significant challenges in the following years including a break-in, as well as the trials of the pandemic.
Nicky made the decision this July to leave her father’s old building and relocate to a new salon on 87 High Road in Benfleet.
The new salon allows Nicky’s Nails and Beauty to provide a diverse array of treatments, including all types of nail enhancements, various facials such as microneedling and dermaplaning, waxing to lash extensions.
“The years of hard work and dedication were recognized when we won the Hair and Beauty Award,” Nicky said.
“This means the world to the team and is a testament to the support and loyalty of our clients, whom we consider friends.”
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