A mum from Redditch has reached the finals of a prestigious award just a few months after opening her dream business in Alvechurch. 

Former dental nurse Jodie Lancaster has been announced as a finalist in the 'Best New Talent' category at the Hair and Beauty Awards 2025. 

The news comes just a few months after opening her salon Hayami Cosmetics, which specialises in laser hair removal and advanced medical treatment including pigmentation, acne and lesions. 

Ms Lancaster opened the salon as an opportunity to "do something for herself" after having her children and described the first few months as a "dream come true". 

She said: "It really has been a whirlwind. Opening my own salon is a dream come true and one that I never thought would be a reality so to reach the final of a top award in the industry is just incredible. 

"I come from a medical background and became a dental nurse after leaving school. I had my children and went back to train in nursing, but I never really did much with the training. 

"Being a mom will always come first, but I decided that I wanted to do something for myself so I went to do an ILP training course in laser hair removal. Due to my medical background, I was also invited to do an ILP course in advanced medical treatment."

The new business has gone from strength to strength The new business has gone from strength to strength (Image: Handout)

Despite being a new business in the area, the salon has gone from strength to strength and has a growing client list. 

Ms Lancaster has thanked the community for their support since the salon opened and said she prides herself on making her treatments as affordable as possible. 

The 34-year-old added: "I didn't have a previous client list before opening the salon, so I was very realistic about what I wanted to achieve in the first few weeks and months. I was happy with just three clients at first, but within the first six weeks, I already had six times the amount of customers. 

"The treatments I offer can be really expensive, but I also offer pay-as-you-go options without the need for credit checks. Everyone deserves access to the treatment so I try to make it as affordable as I can for my clients. 

"I just want to say a huge thank you to my family and friends who have been really supportive about this exciting new venture.  I also want to thank my lovely clients for their kind messages and support."

For more information about Hayami Cosmetics visit @hayami_cosmetic on Instagram or visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561586758893