A DREGHORN woman has been celebrating after being honoured at an awards ceremony for a second year in a row.

Shannen Leonard-Maxwell's business Meraki Therapies was crowned Beauty Salon of the Year in south-west Scotland at this year's Scottish Hair and Beauty Awards.

The business has gone from strength to strength since it was first launched in 2021.

Shannen previously worked as a spa therapist at Lochside in 2016, while also using a little pop-up massage table, which doubled as a nail desk, at her old flat in Crosshouse to provide her own services.

After working at another three salons, she decided to set up Meraki Therapies, based at Caledonian House on Irvine's High Street.

Irvine Times: Shannen Leonard-Maxwell won the award earlier this month.

"Meraki means to do something with soul, creativity and love which is why I chose the name," Shannen explained.

"I wanted to create a little safe haven for my clients, somewhere that no matter what was going on in their lives, they could come in and just feel a sense of peace.

"I'm really proud of what my little business has become."

Shannen described winning the award two years in a row as "an absolute dream".

She said: "It honestly doesn't feel real, being nominated for the awards is such a big achievement on its own. I never ever expected to win."

Irvine Times: Shannen Leonard-Maxwell won the award earlier this month.

It was the public who voted for Shannen to win the award, which added to the good feeling on the night.

The business owner said: "I honestly can't put into words just how much this means to me.

"To have this little business of my own be recognised is just insane. I am so unbelievably grateful for my clients who keep me busy and keep returning and, of course for voting for me.

"They really are the absolute best and I would never be doing what I love without them."

Shannen also has thanked those closer to home who have backed her all the way.

She said: "My wife is incredibly supportive, through everything she's always encouraged me to take a chance and she knows that my job can take up a lot of time when I'm home as I have messages to answer out with being in the salon but she never complains and is just always there.

Irvine Times: Shannen Leonard-Maxwell won the award earlier this month.

"She's a great help for the DIY  within the salon as well, I'm forever making her put pictures up or build something for me!

"Deanne who runs the building is also just so amazing. She's just the most loveliest person you could ever meet and does so much for us all within the building.

"She definitely has become a lifelong friend and again is just always so supportive, not only to me but everyone in the building.

"I'm surrounded by so many beautiful souls in my life."

For more information on Meraki Therapies, visit their Facebook page.