Salon pride over LGBT award
A Callander salon has been recognised for its efforts at inclusion and equality at a national LGBT awards ceremony.
Unify Salon, run by owner Narisse Hollington, employs staff from the LGBT community, as well as providing a‘safe space’ for customers and visitors.
After being urged on by her web manager, Narisse put the salon up to be nominated for the Proud Scotland Awards, which aim to recognise the work of individuals and organisations within and supportive of the LGBT community across Scotland.
With the nominations rolling in from the community, Unify was named as a finalist in the Employer Award for small businesses with 500 staff or fewer - with Narisse receiving a second nomination for her other work, including providing opportunities for locals to get involved in radio.
And at the big awards night shindig in Edinburgh on October 1, Narisse and members of her Unify team were celebrating when they walked away with the award, which supports employers who have‘led the way in creating a culture conducive to happiness and security within the workplace’.
After winning the award, Narisse told the Observer:“It was a brilliant night and it was actually my first night off in about nine months because I’ve just been so busy with things.
“It was quite tense because we were the second-last to be announced on the night, but it is great recognition for the work we’ve done in cultivating a safe space and the environment for our LGBT employees.
“We’ve worked really hard in a small town but we didn’t stop shouting loud and proud.
“It wasn’t actually me that took the award, it was a couple of young girls that work for me Natalie and Lily - that I asked to go on stage and I just felt so proud because they had followed their dreams and had been recognised for their own talents.”