A nail technician from Kidderminster has been left "overwhelmed" after winning a prestigious industry award.
Mia Key, aged 22, took the top spot at the national Hair and Beauty Awards 2024 last month in the "Best Gel Nails" category.
The salon owner, who first entered the industry two years ago, comes from a background in performing arts but has always had a passion and talent for nails.
Ms Key now runs a salon called Mia The Label on Hurcott Road and said she was honoured to take home the award describing the win as a "complete blur".
She said: "When they called my name, I honestly couldn't believe it. I just froze and didn't react for a second as I really wasn't expecting it.
"The whole evening was a complete blur. It was crazy and the atmosphere was just immense. It was amazing to be surrounded by such incredible and supportive people in the industry.
"I used to sing but I've always had a passion for nails so I feel really privileged to be recognised for the job I love so much."
Mia Key won the Best Gel Nails category (Image: Mia Key)
The salon has gone from strength to strength over the years with Ms Key's work going viral on TikTok in 2022. Her business also has almost 50,000 followers on Instagram.
Ms Key entered the awards last year and has now won a West Midlands regional title twice on top of her national win.
In this year's award, she also reached the top 50 in the UK in five other categories including best business branding, entrepreneur of the year, education on excellence award, best nail salon and nail technician of the year.
She added: "I want to thank my clients, friends and family for all their support. I have had some really lovely reactions and messages about my win and I'm absolutely buzzing.
"It can be very daunting going up to the stage in front of thousands of people but the whole industry is so supportive and I'm excited to see what the future holds for the business."
For more information visit https://miathelabel.co.uk/ or follow @miathelabel_ on Instagram
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