A Worcestershire salon owner has been left "shocked and amazed" after being shortlisted for a prestigious award.
Natasha Ryan, owner of Trimz and Tantrumz Children's Salon, said she is "so happy" to be a finalist in the At Your Service category of the Small Business Awards 2024.
The salon, which caters for kids including those with additional needs, has two branches located in Rubery and Kidderminster and also caters for clients in Redditch, Bromsgrove, Worcester and beyond.
The business aims to create a safe and welcoming space for children to have their hair cut and has been recognised as an award finalist for its excellent track record with customers.
Ms Ryan, aged 42, from Birmingham, said: "I have no idea who nominated us for the award, but I'd love to know who put us forward. It came as a huge shock but it is amazing to be recognised. I'm so happy to be a finalist.
"I absolutely love what I do and working so closely with children including at Christmas when I dress up as an elf.
"It is such a rewarding job as when the kids first come into the salon they can be a bit scared and worried about having their hair cut, but when they leave, they get a special sticker and a high five and they can't wait to come back."
The mum-of-two opened the Rubery branch seven years ago after working as a hairdresser since she was 16 years old.
Ms Ryan noticed that some hairdressers and barbers prefer working on adult hair as children can find it hard to sit still or need additional support so she decided to create a salon tailored to children.
Despite the difficulties of lockdown and through the hard work of herself and her team, she transformed the site on New Road with novelty chairs and TV screens.
The business has continued to experience huge success including the opening of the Kidderminster branch a couple of years ago.
She said: "The business is quite niche and I knew that there was demand for it, but I never thought it would become as big as it has. We have customers visiting us from as far as London as barbers have refused to cut their child's hair. It is really shocking.
"I always say that we are more than a salon and completely different to any other hairdresser. We have the right team of people with the right skills, including autism awareness training, so that we build a really strong bond with the children.
"We have a really lovely relationship with the parents too and I will always put my customers above myself. Being a mum too, I really never stop but I wouldn't have it any other way."
The Rubery salon is fully booked into June with the Kidderminster salon also in high demand.
All children are welcome by appointment only.
For more information or to book visit the Trimz and Tantrumz Facebook page for Rubery at www.facebook.com/trimzandtantrumzchildrenssalon/?locale=en_GB or the Facebook page for Kidderminster at www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084068711180
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