SAMANTHA Houghton suffered a devastating miscarriage at the beginning of this year.
As a mum-of-three, the planned fourth pregnancy was something her family and friends were thrilled about.
But when a 13-week scan revealed there was no heartbeat they had to deal with the loss and tell people that the baby had died.
It was at this point in January that Samantha, who has had her own nail and beauty business for nine years, wondered whether she could go back to work as she knew she would have to tell so many of her concerned clients the heart-breaking news.
After a month, she reopened her salon and her loyal customers supported and comforted her - and then voted for her to win Best for Nails in St Helens.
Envy Nails and Beauty by Samantha took the top spot, beating off tough competition from other top salons, and Samantha cannot believe she has won the Nail Salon of the Year 2022 award.
She said: “I love my job and my clients have become close friends - we share what’s happening in our lives.
“In January, I nearly closed the business because it was such a difficult time and I was dreading having to tell so many people what had happened.
“But I reopened and the support I received was amazing.
“I’m so lucky to have such wonderfully loyal customers and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”
Samantha, whose salon in on Junction Lane in Sutton, was one of six salons to be shortlisted in the St Helens Star search for the best nail salon or mobile nail technician in the borough.
One nomination said she’d been a client for Samantha’s for seven years and wouldn’t go anywhere else while another described her as “absolutely lovely” and a “very talented lady”.
A third happy customer said: “She always goes the extra mile for her clients and is amazing at what she does, especially as she juggles her career and her three sons.”
Reviews on her website continue the praise for Samantha’s work.
One said: “I’ve been coming to Sam for my lashes and nails done for years.
“She is amazing at what she does, such a fabulous and lovely person who takes her time to ensure she does the best job possible.
“I would 100% recommend her services to anyone.”
Another said: “I’ve been with Sam from day one and still now years later I’m wowed by her amazing work!
“Whether I want plain nails or funky brightly coloured ones, she always delivers exactly what I want.
“I can’t recommend her enough as she’s fabulous at what she does.”
For more details go to facebook.com/Envy-Nails-Beauty-by-Samantha-109045888066076/
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