Hairdresser on the shortlist for best home salon award
A NOTTINGHAM woman is representing the city at The Official UK Hair and Beauty Awards with her home salon business.
Dana-may Berry, 40, has been working in the industry for the past two decades after she was inspired by her mum and grandma to become a hairdresser.
She previously worked in salons before moving on to a mobile setup, and then in 2018 she had the chance to own a salon after having five children.
However, due to the pandemic, Dana had to sell, and decided to continue as a mobile hairdresser.
In February she opened her home salon, and, less than a month later, was shortlisted for the national award.
Ms Berry describes her salon as being “cosy” and “welcoming”. She’s now been shortlisted in the Best Home Salon category for her Dana-may Berry Hair business.
On being shortlisted, she said: “I feel excited, shocked and a bit overwhelmed.” She said that with her hair and makeup wedding business, Beau Hair, she has been nominated and won awards before, but it has always been part of a group effort rather than on her own.
She explained it was a good alternative for people not wanting to go into a busy salon full of lots of people or have a mobile hairdresser come to their own home. She said it was also a great option for people with anxiety as they could still get the full salon treatment but in a more comfortable and homely setting.
She said: “I don’t look at it as work. I love my job. I love socialising and helping people.”
Ms Berry personalises the salon according to customers’ needs, serving a range of drinks and allowing them to put on their own music.
The Bilborough mum added: “Since the age of eight, my passion has always been hairdressing. As I grew older and became a mother, I decided to pursue my dream. Every moment of it brought me joy.
“Later, when my mother faced mental health challenges and found it hard to leave the house, I wished I could assist others in similar situations.
“Styling someone’s hair can have a transformative effect. it boosts their confidence and positivity, offering them a glimmer of hope.
“I cherish my work and aspire to continue aiding many more individuals in the future.
“My grandma and my mum are my inspiration in the hairdressing industry.
“Since I was a little girl, my grandma always emphasised the importance of having well-done hair and makeup.