A Darlington salon owner has been recognised in the Northern Echo Best Beauty Salon Awards after being named a finalist for the third year running.
Sarah-Jane Tipper, owner of Beauty Lounge on Grange Road, is among those shortlisted in this year's awards, marking another milestone in a beauty industry career spanning more than three decades.
Sarah-Jane began her career in 1991 after qualifying at Champneys College of Health and Beauty, then worked in salons, spas and on cruise ships.
She later became Elemis’s regional sales manager, gaining insight into successful salons before opening her own business.
Beauty Lounge is celebrating its 17th anniversary after growing from a one-woman business into a salon with four therapists.
Speaking about her latest nomination, Sarah-Jane said: "Firstly, it feels amazing to be nominated again.
"We wouldn't be here without our amazing clients.
"The salon is 17 years old this year.
"It was always my dream to have a salon and from starting with just me and a leap of faith, I now work alongside four fantastic therapists."
Beauty Lounge offers treatments ranging from waxing, facials and massage to advanced skincare.
The salon offers CACI, Hydrogen 360, Elemis and, more recently, Nimue Skin Technology for pigmentation, sensitivity, redness and ageing skin.
Sarah-Jane says her passion for a spa-like client experience began when she helped launch Serenity Spa at Seaham Hall and worked in the spa industry.
She added: "My background in beauty has spanned over 30 years.
"Starting from my training at Champneys, I then worked in salons, spas and cruise ships before hitting the road as a regional rep for Elemis, which was very insightful for me seeing how other salons operated before I took the leap of faith and opened my own.
"Every day is a blessing and I love it when we make clients feel amazing."
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Sarah-Jane hopes her third consecutive nomination will bring victory for her and the Beauty Lounge team.
To vote for your favourite salon, complete the form in The Northern Echo each day for the next two weeks and return it to The Northern Echo Best Beauty Salon 2026, Local IQ House, 1 Dalston Road, Carlisle, CA2 5NP.
Votes will be counted soon after voting closes.