Rasen beauty therapist springs to a national award win

Sarah Jlil, who works at the town’s Spring Beauty Room, has been named Holistic Therapist of the Year by the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC).

She was one of seven finalists in the category from across the UK, but the only one from northern counties, and was amazed when her name was called out as the winner.

“It was all a bit overwhelming,” said Sarah.

“I was totally surprised when my name was called.

“It is an amazing achievement. I feel very proud.”

Sarah received a trophy and certificate for her win.

She will also receive free training in lava shells massage from Shared Beauty Secrets.

“I am really looking forward to the training,” said Sarah. “It will be something new for the salon offer.”

To get to the final, Sarah had to initially send in a video of her performing a massage.

This took her straight through to the final stage, when she travelled to Gloucester to perform a hot stone massage in front of the judges.

She received her award at a glittering ceremony at the Hurlingham Club in London

Sarah has been in the beauty industry for 17 years.

She trained in Elgin and worked in Edinburgh and Cumbria, before moving to Lincolnshire as a tutor at Grimsby Institute.

In September 2013, Sarah joined the team at Spring Beauty in Market Place Walk, where manager Teresa Mack says she is an integral part of the team.

“Sarah is a fantastic therapist but doesn’t always give herself credit; now this award shows her how good she is,” said Teresa.

“I have known her for ten years and enjoy working with her as a colleague.

“We are all very proud of her achievement and of what she brings to the team.

“She is always very focussed on her clients and creates bespoke treatments for each and every one of them.

“She puts her heart and soul into every treatment - that is why she won.

“In her feedback from the competition, it says the judges were unanimous Sarah was the winner in their eyes from the moment she started the treatment.”

The salon itself reached the semi-final stage of the Salon of the Year.