Salon looking good for award

Owner Shirley Pandya has been in the beauty business for more than 12 years, but this is the first time one of her salons have been shortlisted for a prize.

She said: "I did a portfolio and sent it off in April and we found out last month.

"I entered because I have been a therapist for quite a long time and done a lot of things in my career and it is nice to be recognised for my work."

The 49-year-old started up her first business with two other members of staff, but now has four people helping her out in the Stanmore salon.

She said: "I have had salons in Kingsbury, Acton and Alperton.

"Stanmore was a challenge. It used to be a china shop and I redesigned it and made it look really different, we get lots of compliments."

La Mirage has been open for three years and the most popular treatment in Stanmore are injections to combat wrinkles.

Mrs Pandya said: "People came in to have Restylane injections around their nose and botox.

"We also have a lot men coming in for waxing.

"Once we had a GMTV presenter in once, I can't remember her name though. "

The mother-of-two manages to juggle her family and business, but admits it is not easy.

She said: "Monday is my day off and I look after my grandson, but I work around things. But I like keeping busy and looking after people."

Mrs Pandya is hoping to open another salon in Finchley in the future, but for now she is enjoying treating people in Stanmore.

She said: "I used to be a pharmacy dispenser, but then I got bored.

"I like talking to people and you can pick up on people's energies and work with that."

The awards are being run by Health & Beauty Salon magazine and the ceremony takes place at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, in Hyde Park, London, on September 7.