A MUM-of-two has been left ‘overwhelmed’ after walking away with a prestigious national beauty award.
Betsy Turner, from Darwen, was crowned Make-up Specialist of the Year at the Professional Beauty Awards, held in London on February 24.
The 29-year-old, who owns Betsy Makeup Studios in Blackburn Road, said she won the award for Darwen, a place that has welcomed her since she moved there after meeting her now husband, Chris.
The make-up artist of four and a half years, said: “I wanted to enter the previous year’s awards but didn’t feel ready as I’d only opened my salon in July. I’ve been in the beauty industry since I was 18 and have worked for various different companies but, when I fell pregnant with my first son, Teddy, in 2015, I knew I couldn’t continue working as I had been doing, so decided to start my own mobile makeup business.”
Photos Betsy submitted for her portfolio to win the national award
Mrs Turner said that, despite knowing her trade inside out, it took a while for her to build the confidence needed to have faith in her abilities.
She said: “I’m the most self-critical person and would often doubt myself and wonder if I was good enough.
“But after getting to know people in this town, a lot of my clients are now my friends and it’s been amazing to receive positive support from people. After opening my salon last year I finally felt ambitious and confident enough to enter the awards.”
The competition featured 11 categories, including Large Beauty Salon of the Year, Boutique Beauty Salon of the Year and Employer of the Year.
Out of the hundreds of entries received, Mrs Turner made it to the final five in the Makeup Specialist category, before being crowned overall winner.
Betsy's make-up handiwork at the contest in London
Crediting her husband as her number one inspiration, she said: “I was literally so overwhelmed, the feeling of pride was next level and it proved that I am good enough and I will never doubt myself again.
“My husband is my inspiration though as I wouldn’t push myself half as hard without him.
“I won this award for me but I also won it for Darwen, my home-town.”
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