Young beautician is all smiles after winning back-to-back awards

And there’s a huge smile on the young beautician’s face as she’s celebrating being named St Helens’ Best for Beauty 2023 securing back-to-back award wins.

Each week, we will be searching for the best St Helens has to offer in different categories and we’ve already given out 13 awards for 2023.

The winners so far:

Best for Hair – Hair by Alice Michelle

Best for Pies – Blackburn’s

Best for Nails – Kreative Kirsty

Best for Roast Dinner – The Brown Edge Pub

Best for Cocktails – The Townhouse

Best for Breakfast – Shakey J’s

Best for Fitness – Ashley-James Ward

Best for Fish and Chips – Paul’s Fishbar

Best for Tattoos – White Rabbit Tattoo Studio

Best for Pizza – Dial-A-Pizza

Best for Pets – The Dog House

Best Independent Shop or Business – Stone Tyres

Best for Dessert – Antonia’s Cakes

Voting for St Helens’ Best for Kids is currently taking place and we’re also looking for nominations in our latest search – Best Gym.

Next on the list was the search for St Helens’ Best for Beauty and Chantel Louise took the latest Best of 2023 crown, securing back-to-back Best for Beauty wins.

Chantel Louise Galavan

The 23-year-old is self-employed and based at Salon 154 in Thatto Heath, which is owned by Nikki Kelly, and Chantel Louise has her own nail desk as well as a beauty room where she’s able to do treatments like eyelashes, facials and waxings and she also has a separate makeup room.

At the age of 18, Chantel Louise self-funded several beauty courses when she left school including a comprehensive beauty diploma as well as eyelashes, nails and facial courses.

Chantel Louise said: “I work with a lovely team of girls - Michelle, Nikki and Lucie - and we’re like a family.

“We all get on so well and many of our clients love getting their hair and beauty done in the same place.

“I’ve always been interested in beauty from a young age and have been fortunate enough to have very supportive parents.

“They helped me set up my business and it’s grown with a lot of practise, time and patience.

“I offer treatments at reasonable prices that people are able to afford.

“Many beauty treatments aren’t always affordable so I try to keep my prices competitive so my clients can treat themselves.”

In the height of summer, clients are getting ready to head off on holiday so Chantel Louise is doing BIAB (builder in a bottle) and gel nails as well as lash extensions, facials and pedicures.

Chantel Louise is based at Salon 154 in Thatto Heath

She said: “With being self-employed I’m able to choose the days and times I work and do a few evenings and late nights so clients can book appointments after they’ve finished work.

“The best thing about my job is that I get to do something I love every day.

“It doesn’t feel like a job as I enjoy it and it’s great knowing my clients are happy and I’ve made them feel good.

“The smiles at the end of their treatment and customer feedback shows they appreciate me as much as I appreciate them.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without my clients and I can’t thank them enough for all their support over the past few years.

“We’re like a little family and I couldn’t ask for better clientele.

“Many of my clients have become friends.”

Chantel Louise started her own business in 2018

But what do the clients think about Chantel Louise? Why did they want her to win our latest Best of 2023 award?

Feedback for Chantel Louise includes “my lashes have been done by the best” and “she’s a perfectionist”.

Chantel Louise said: “To win this award for a second year is unbelievable.

“I didn’t realise I’d made the shortlist so it was a real surprise.

“Winning again this year is amazing and I couldn’t be happier.

“My clients voted for me and their support means so much – their lovely words and comments have really made me smile.”

For more details go to facebook.com/chantellouisemakeupandbeauty