A DEDICATED salon owner has expressed her delight after it was voted best in the business by Gazette readers.

Envy Hair and Beauty, on Old Health Road, Colchester, has been crowned Hairdressers of the Year, much to the delight of owner Sophie Manders.

Sophie, 35, who has been cutting hair since she left school, was shocked when she had received the call to state she had won, seeing the accolade as a nice way to celebrate the salon’s 12th birthday in February.

On the win, Sophie said: “I absolutely could not believe it, I am over the moon, it is such a massive achievement.

“I am so happy that all of our clients voted for us, everyone contacted me saying how much we deserved it, which was so nice to hear.

“I never thought we’d win, especially with all the other big name salons around the town, I really didn’t expect it at all.

 “When we saw the letter to say we were in the finals, seeing all the other salon names included we really didn’t expect our salon to win.

“When I received the call to say we had won, I said ‘What? Say that again?’, all the girls at the salon were so pleased.”

The salon prides itself on client relations, building a large following on its Instagram, @envyhaircolch.

On what sets them aside from other salons, owner Sophie said: “We are quite a personal salon, very friendly and small salon, though we are now expanding into beauty treatments.

“My sister also works here alongside me, so it is like a big family company, which people really take to. People always talk about our atmosphere, saying it is so relaxing and friendly.

“Winning this has been such a lovely surprise, especially after Covid.”

The salon team plans to celebrate with a night out of dinner and drinks.

Hair Hub, in Stanway, was voted for second place by readers. Safade Hair and Beauty, in Rowhedge, was voted for third place by readers.