Get to know Somerset County Gazette's Beauty Therapist of the Year

Sarah Screech, 35, has owned the popular Country Class Beauty and Massage salon in Taunton for six years and has been in the industry for 14.

The beauty therapist first began seeing clients on evenings and weekends while she was still working a full-time job. Shortly after the birth of her daughter in 2018, Sarah decided to take the plunge and quit her job to become self-employed and pursue her dream of owning a salon.

Sarah said: "I was assistant manager for L'Occitane where I worked for five years while doing my nails and massage at home on the side in a room upstairs.

"I was working constantly, at L'Occitaine and then rushing home, getting my baby from nursery, putting her to bed, and then working all evening. I worked my butt off to build my clientele up so I could leave my job, and I've never looked back.

"After I had my daughter six years ago, and then left my job, we extended our house, so what was our dining room became my treatment room.

"Then two years ago we had the cabin built in the garden because, with having a child in the house, I wanted to make sure it was a totally relaxing experience for my clients.

"Everyone loves my cabin now, it's so cosy and warm. I've been working for myself full-time for six years now."

Inside the salon. (Image: Sarah Screech)

Sarah credits her client's loyalty and "word of mouth" advertising for her success and adds that many of her clients have become "good friends" whose weddings she's attended.

Sarah added: "I have the best clients who become good friends and that's why I've always kept my pricing very reasonable so I can keep it the same for everybody.

"Every day I look forward to going to work, which I've never had before being self-employed."

Country Class Beauty and Massage specialises in nails, nail art, massage therapy, facials, aromatherapy, lash lifts and more. Sarah uses a "holistic approach" and loves aromatherapy treatments, she also invests in top-quality British products.

The salon owner added: "Just the recognition from winning the competition is really nice, feeling appreciated for all the years because when you work for yourself you don't have a boss to say well done.

"My husband has been incredible, he encouraged me to go self-employed and live out my dreams when I didn't believe in myself.

"A massive part of me pursuing my dream is to be a role model for my daughter as well, it's important that she sees me working hard."

Treatments can be booked through Sarah via Country Class' Facebook page, at facebook.com/countryclassbeautyandmassage.