A nail technician from Prenton has been shortlisted for the Rising Star in the UK Hair and Beauty Awards.

Melissa McWha, 22, started her nail business, Bellissima, in November 2021 after completing her training in December 2020.

However, when the Covid-19 pandemic hit and beauty salons closed their doors, Melissa was forced to look at different career options.

She told the Globe: “I went to work in a factory making PPE for the NHS.

“I was originally training in a beauty clinic in West Kirby but when lockdown hit all the trainees were let go.”

Wirral Globe:

After her contract at the factory came to an end in September 2021, Melissa decided to put everything into nails.

She said: “Although I had passed my nail course in December, I couldn’t do anything with it at first because of lockdown.”

Wirral Globe:

On January 3, 2022, Melissa began her business from a salon in Wallasey called Beautifill Me, Aesthetics and Beauty.

“I’ve surprisingly been really busy back-to-back with customers most days; despite the fact, I’ve just started out.

Wirral Globe:

“So many people do nails so you really have to put all your effort into it, but I’ve always been passionate about it.”

Speaking about being shortlisted in the Hair and Beauty Awards, Melissa added: “I used to watch my cousin doing nails while I was growing up. I’ve always loved nails.

Wirral Globe:

“I wasn’t expecting to hear back from the awards, but I was buzzing when I found out.

“It’s an amazing feeling to think I’ve got somewhere with it and have my work recognised.”