A FORMER ski racer and charity manager has won a national hair and beauty award after launching her business two years ago.

After skiing for Great Britain and England in her youth, Kayleigh Crehan went on to work as a charity sales manager for a skiing sponsor but always had a passion and desire to work in the beauty industry.

During the uncertainty of the pandemic, Kayleigh decided to follow this passion and after training in cosmetic treatments and building her client list from home, she launched 'Pretty Little Aesthetics' on Liverpool Road in August 2022.

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St Helens Star: Lip filler is one of Kayleigh's aesthetic treatmentsLip filler is one of Kayleigh's aesthetic treatments (Image: Kayleigh Crehan)
With a focus on one-to-one treatments and injectable services, such as lip fillers, anti-wrinkle treatments, and fat dissolvers, Kayleigh has built up a loyal customer base on the edge of St Helens.

Kayleigh believes that the personal one-to-one environment is what has been key to her business' success, and despite trading for less than two years, the 35-year-old was crowned winner of 'Best New Aesthetics' at the National Beauty Awards last month.

Pretty Little Aesthetics has also been shortlisted for three further awards later in the year.

St Helens Star: Kayleigh has also been shortlisted for three further awardsKayleigh has also been shortlisted for three further awards (Image: Kayleigh Crehan)
Speaking about the awards win and nominations, Kayleigh, from Garswood, said: "I was beyond grateful even to be nominated because I work really hard and it was great just to have that recognition.

"But I was blown away and quite humbled to win because there were thousands of entries and they are judged by people who are really respected in the industry.

"I was told that the judges could see my passion for the industry which was amazing, and it confirms that I'm doing the right things and on the right track."

St Helens Star: Kayleigh with her National Beauty AwardKayleigh with her National Beauty Award (Image: Kayleigh Crehan)
Describing her business as "more than a job", where she wants to help her clients feel more comfortable and confident in their skin, Kayleigh said that the award win has given her the motivation to expand her business even further.

While continuing to offer her aesthetic treatments, the 35-year-old is currently looking into training courses so that she can pass on her skills and train up the next generation of beauticians.

"It is just me doing all the bookings, treatments, and social media, so I probably need someone else to help expand as I also want to go down the training route in the long-term.

"It's just the best feeling in the world when people come back to you who are so happy with how they look, and I want to continue doing this for my clients and help other beauticians have the same experience too."