A nail artist and technician from Nelson who overcame a life of unemployment and debt has been shortlisted as a finalist in a beauty award competition.

Rachel Shuttleworth, 41, owner of Betty-Rose Beauty Boutique in Marsdenhall Road North has been designing incredible and intricate nail art for her clients for the last 17 years.

Her work was even recognised by the BBC as she was commissioned by Eurovision to paint a set of Graham Norton nails for their television advert this May.

Rachel has now been shortlisted in two categories of The English Hair and Beauty Awards 2024 but the mum’s success didn’t come easy.

After losing her job in her early 20s, Rachel was unemployed for months, spiralled into debt so started working five jobs.

Rachel explained: “It was absolutely chaotic, I never got to see my daughter so I took the plunge and saved up the money from all the jobs to pay for a nail course.”

Her work, which consists of detailed nail portrait sets which start from £150 and take up to eight hours to complete, has improved rapidly over the years.

Rachel recognised by the awards in both the Beauty Salon of the Year and Local Salon of the Year categories.

Sharing her excitement, Rachel said: “After 17 years of finally concentrating on me and my goals, it's finally paying off. I decided enough was enough I needed to bite the bullet and out myself out there.

“I want to thank all my clients and everyone who voted for me, I am very grateful for everyone who has supported me.”

More than 60,000 voters nominated their favourite beauticians for the final of the awards.

The black-tie ceremony will take place on Sunday, April 7, at the Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel.

A spokesperson for The English Hair and Beauty Awards 2024, said: “The awards remark the strength, skill and innovation of those who have shown excellent commitment to customer satisfaction and have changed the industry’s landscape by introducing innovative treatments and services, building extremely close and trusted relationships with their clients.

“We would like to congratulate everyone for being shortlisted and we can’t wait to welcome all our guests and deliver an enjoyable event. We wish all finalists the best of luck.”