(Image: T&A)
A Bradford-born salon owner is celebrating after being named Stylist of the Year.
Elise Mongan, 37, who runs Elise Luxury Hair Boutique on Fair Road in Wibsey, received the hairdressing honour at the Luxe Global Awards at Cedar Court, describing the win as a "huge moment" in her career.
Ms Mongan said: "I proudly won Stylist of the Year 2026 at the Luxe Global Awards in Bradford Cedar Court in September.
"This was won by our customers voting for me."
And this is by no means her first award, it's actually her seventh since opening the salon just before the pandemic.
Elise Mongan at the awards ceremony (Image: Elise Mongan)
24 years' experience
Originally from West Bowling, Ms Mongan has been in the hairdressing industry for 24 years and has built her reputation on specialising in advanced colouring services.
Her salon, which also houses an osteopath and beautician, functions as a multi-purpose space in the heart of Wibsey village.
She said: "I have a growing team in the salon that gives school leavers a career in hairdressing.
"We take on apprentices from school and I train them myself to a very high standard.
"I have one who has progressed into becoming a stylist now and has been here five years called Leila.
"We have Emily, who has been here for one year, and are ready to take on another which is great."
Elise Mongan and her team (Image: T&A)
'My life wasn't easy early on'
But Ms Mongan's success has not been without its challenges and ups and downs along the way.
She left home at 16 and lived on her own.
She then trained at Christopher Paul’s Hairdressing in Little Germany and completed both Level 2 and 3 qualifications as well as a management course.
Elise Mongan at the awards ceremony (Image: Elise Mongan)
'Having my daughter at 21 changed everything'
But it was having a baby that really transformed the trajectory of her life.
She said: "Having my daughter at 21 changed everything for me.
"I wanted to build something for us and I suppose now it feels I’m building a legacy within my industry.
"Hair was where I found my passion and people.
"I worked my way up through a few branded salons in Bradford."
Setting up her own salon
She launched Elise Luxury Hair Boutique just six weeks before the first Covid-19 lockdown.
Despite the challenges of the pandemic, she kept pushing forwards to get to where she is today.
Elise Mongan at the awards ceremony (Image: Elise Mongan)
Ms Mongan recently completed international colour training in Milan, after being selected by her colour supplier to visit the manufacturing site.
She told the T&A: "I believe every woman deserves to feel like a queen.
"Hair is so tied to how we feel about ourselves, and when someone sits in my chair I want them to feel pampered and given time to feel beautiful.
"Our salon is a safe space and a supported salon where out customers feel at home."
She also attributes much of the salon’s success to her team, including salon manager Stacey Greenwood, creative stylist Leila Popek, beauty therapist Chloe Griggs, osteopath Greg Jones, and content creator Kennedy Power.