A BARNSLEY hair and beauty salon which has been serving its close-knit community for decades has been nominated for a Proud of Barnsley award just weeks after being named regional winner in a national awards scheme.

Stella’s on Pogmoor Road has been owned and run by Ann Smith for 35 years with Ann describing her ‘fantastic’ staff team and regular customers as being like a family.

From planning tea parties for customers’ special birthdays to supporting them through difficult times, organising fundraising events to offering help and guidance to cancer patients, the salon is more than just a place to go to get your hair styled.

“I have a fabulous, loyal team and we really are like a family some of my staff have been with me for decades and they are all really dedicated and hard working.”

Nominated by client Kelsie Davies, she says: “Every single year they raise money for charities. From cake bakes to running Total Warrior, they are always raising money for local charities and national ones. Their dedication year in year out should be recognised. They are such wonderful ladies who go above and beyond for the community and customers.”

Ann said: “We have done a lot of fundraising over the years for a lot of different causes and have raised thousands of pounds.

“We have held raffles, afternoon teas and coffee mornings as well as doing events like Total Warrior and have raised money for breast cancer research and also for individuals.”

Ann is also very proud of the salon’s success in the recent England Business Awards where they were named Best Hair and Beauty Salon in the region. They will be attending the national finals in Birmingham in November to see if they can take the national title.

Ann said: “Barnsley definitely took the award for the best celebrations at the regional event and we are really excited for the finals.

“Stella’s has come along way since I bought it from the original owner 35 years ago. I moved to Barnsley after meeting my husband and we sold the car, borrowed from family to buy the salon and then we held a painting party to get it ready.

“I’ve built the team over the years and we have extended with the beauty side of the business and it’s amazing that our salon family has been recognised with a nomination in the awards.”