A beauty therapist has been nominated for a national award - just one year on from taking the plunge to run her own business.
Natalie Lees, from Hadleigh, is among the finalists at the Hair and Beauty Awards UK, which will be contested next summer.
It marks a huge achievement in her career, after deciding to run her own business a year ago.
READ MORE: Hadleigh News
"I am really happy," said Ms Lees, who offers nail treatment, waxing, facials and more.
The move to becoming self-employed, having been in the industry for 17 years, has allowed her to work her own hours.
She continued: "I have got two small children and they are both school age, so it just allows me to be a bit more flexible with my hours."
Ms Lees has been named in the finalists for the beauty therapist of the year category.
The awards will take place in Birmingham next August.
Ms Lees added: "I'm really excited. When I entered not for a minute did I think I would make the final, but if you don't try then you never know."
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