A salon owner who launched awards for the region's hair and beauty professionals says this year's ceremony was the best yet after attracting hundreds of guests.
Danielle Walling, owner of Bella Sorella Hair and Beauty, has single-handedly organised and funded the North East Hair and Beauty Awards since launching them in 2021.
The fifth ceremony was held at Sunderland Live Arena in Rainton Meadows on Saturday, September 19.
Danielle Walling, founder of the North East Hair and Beauty Awards. (Image: DAN JAMES GILES PHOTOGRAPHY)
(Image: DAN JAMES GILES PHOTOGRAPHY)
Danielle said the atmosphere was unlike anything she had experienced before.
She said: "It was absolutely incredible, the best year yet.
"I cannot explain the feeling.
"From the minute you walked into the arena, it was just the best atmosphere.
(Image: DAN JAMES GILES PHOTOGRAPHY)
(Image: DAN JAMES GILES PHOTOGRAPHY)
"Everybody was so happy to be there, so excited, clapping for every single person and I feel like this has probably been the best response we've ever had.
"What I loved was people who went and were finalists and didn't win were still celebrating being there and being a finalist.
"Everyone was just excited.
"The energy was absolutely off the charts.
(Image: DAN JAMES GILES PHOTOGRAPHY)
(Image: DAN JAMES GILES PHOTOGRAPHY)
"It was amazing."
The awards have grown steadily since Danielle launched them after realising the North East had no dedicated celebration for its hair and beauty sector.
After 12 years in the industry and opening her own salon in 2016, she wanted to shine a spotlight on local talent.
She said: "I made it to create recognition for the hair and beauty industry.
"I wanted to bring something positive for everyone.
"I feel like the North East gets forgotten about in regard to these kinds of things.
(Image: DAN JAMES GILES PHOTOGRAPHY)
(Image: DAN JAMES GILES PHOTOGRAPHY)
"There's the UK Hair and Beauty Awards but they tend to be held down in Manchester or up in Scotland.
"We just didn't have anything.
(Image: DAN JAMES GILES PHOTOGRAPHY)
"I thought, I need to have something more accessible for us in the North East."
The ceremony also featured a surprise honour kept secret until the night.
Judges created the new Industry Legacy Award for a long-serving professional who had attended every ceremony and championed others in the sector.
Danielle said: "One of our judges had got in touch and said they had somebody in mind who has come to every awards ceremony, celebrated every person and said they wished they had something like this in their day.
"Glenise Woodard has been in the industry for 35 years and we knew we needed to do something because she works so hard.
"We came up with the Industry Legacy Award.
"We're going to do it every year now and her reaction was absolutely worth every single second of it.
"You could tell she was in complete shock.
"At the end of the night she said she couldn't believe she'd won the award and that being recognised after this amount of time is so special."
Kimberley Rogers, owner of Kimberley Rogers Nails in Seaham, was among the guests after being named highly commended in the Nail Technician of the Year category.
Kimberley Rogers at the awards. (Image: KIMBERLEY ROGERS)
The 38-year-old, who has worked in the industry for four years, said the event exceeded her expectations.
She said: "The awards just seem to be getting bigger every year and Danielle is putting so much into the event.
"I followed them for a while, so when I got nominated I thought, well, there's nothing to lose.
"It was absolutely incredible, such a good experience to be there.
"It was unbelievable.
"Danielle knows how to throw a party."
(Image: DAN JAMES GILES PHOTOGRAPHY)
Kimberley was initially nervous about attending because of misconceptions about the industry.
She said: "I think there's a misconception that the beauty industry can be really catty and maybe even a bit snooty, but it was so far removed from that.
"I went with my best friend and I didn't know what to expect.
"We got there about 4.30pm and by 7pm the dance floor was packed.
(Image: DAN JAMES GILES PHOTOGRAPHY)
"Everyone was living their best lives.
"It was just such a lovely, supportive and celebratory environment to be in."
(Image: DAN JAMES GILES PHOTOGRAPHY)
Kimberley worked in design before retraining after having children and launching her nail business.
She said: "I've always enjoyed doing my nails for my friends and family and it was something I wanted to do. Then one year I just thought, I'm going to give it a go."
After the fifth ceremony, Danielle is already planning for 2027.
Danielle Walling. (Image: DANIELLE WALLING)
Danielle's salon, Bella Sorella. (Image: DANIELLE WALLING)
"We're already preparing for next year," she said.
"We've got the date and are looking at a few venues.
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"We loved the venue this year, but we also want to see what's out there.
"I'm trying to keep it as affordable as possible for people to attend."
The ceremony features 58 awards spanning hair, beauty, makeup and aesthetics, including Hair Salon of the Year and Young Risers.