A nail technician from Westhoughton has been shortlisted in the prestigious UK Hair and Beauty Awards.

Emma Gifford, 40, had been doing nails for more than 25 years for friends, family, and herself and during lockdown decided to take a number of  courses to qualify as a professional.

She opened Vanity Nails in November of last year.

The mobile nail technician who works in and around Westhoughton and specialises in gel bips, builder gel and gel manicures, says she is ‘shocked’ at the nomination.

Emma said: “I found out on October 3, and I couldn't quite believe I received the email to say I was a finalist, there are so many fantastic nail artists in the UK I didn't think I would have a chance.

“I was sat in my car waiting for my daughter to come out of school when I received the email.

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“I hadn't told anyone other than my daughter Poppy about being nominated as I didn't think I would get through.

The Bolton News: Nails by Emma GiffordNails by Emma Gifford (Image: Emma Gifford)“Vanity Nails opened for business in November 2022 and has grown significantly ever since.

“Being mobile allows me to offer services to the housebound and the elderly, with one day a week allocated to a large, assisted living accommodation within Westhoughton.

“As well as people who work from home or who have young children, they wouldn't feel comfortable taking children to a salon.

“I feel very overwhelmed and shocked to be nominated and extremely grateful to all my clients.”

To book an appointment or to find out more about Emma’s work go to Vanity Nails on Facebook and Instagram.