A family-run hair salon in Failsworth is celebrating shooting to the top in the industry after being recognised as one of the best in the north west in a prestigious awards ceremony.

Visions Hair Studio, situated on Propps Hall Drive, is run by mum, Joanne Moran, her daughter, Shannon Moran, and Shannon's former college friend, Sophie Kelly.

While the salon only opened three years ago - six months before the pandemic forced them to close amid lockdown - the trio have gone on to bag several awards.

Last year, they won "excellence in customer service" and "best new salon" accolades at the British Hair and Beauty Awards 2022.

The Oldham Times: Joanne said the success of the salon boils down to the girls' close friendshipJoanne said the success of the salon boils down to the girls' close friendship (Image: Visions)

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At the time, Visions said in a post on social media: "We are so overwhelmed after two hard years coming through the pandemic to be able to win these awards."

Now, the firm has been recognised again after coming in second place for both "spotlight salon of the year" and "best salon team" in the North West categories of the annual UK Hair and Beauty Awards 2023.

The Oldham Times: Sophie with the awardsSophie with the awards (Image: Visions)

The salon was also ranked within the top 10 for a further two categories, "best salon" and "best hair extension salon".

Reflecting on the win, which the team watched via Livestream on Friday, April 21, 26-year-old Shannon and 27-year-old Sophie said: "We are so proud of ourselves.

"Thank you to all our clients that have helped us to make us what we are today.

"We couldn't have done this without you."

The Oldham Times: The salon prides itself on bringing customer's colourful requests to lifeThe salon prides itself on bringing customer's colourful requests to life (Image: Visions Hair Salon)

Joanne added: "When the screen came up with our name on it was so exciting to see.

"It’s just not something we expected."

Joanne, who primarily runs the admin and accounts side of the business, said Sophie had initially wanted to pursue a career in dental nursing but was "pulled back" to hairdressing as "it's her biggest love".

Sophie used to work in the salon when it was under different ownership but returned when her pal took over and has "stayed ever since".

The Oldham Times: Some of the seasonal displays at the salonSome of the seasonal displays at the salon (Image: Visions Hair Salon)

The salon also prides itself on making impressive window displays that they decorate for every occasion, such as Valentine's Day, Easter and Christmas.

But Vision's success boils down to the girls' tight bond and passion for hair - especially "crazy colours" and hair extensions, Joanne said, as they are constantly learning new trends and techniques.

The Oldham Times: Joanne said she is so proud of what the salon has achieved in such a short space of timeJoanne said she is so proud of what the salon has achieved in such a short space of time (Image: Visions Hair Salon)

She added: "They make a great team and always have each other's backs, seven days a week, even when they aren't working.

"They have supported each other right from the day Sophie came on board.

"They have their disagreements which can be fiery but they always make up like nothing has happened within the day which is what I think makes it work.

The Oldham Times: Vision's motto reads: Your vision, our missionVision's motto reads: Your vision, our mission (Image: Visions)

"They know each other so well so can tell if the other is upset happy sad or down they make a great team and I think they will be friends for life.

"They look after clients - they are best friends as well as colleagues and that's why they work so well together.

"I’m so proud of how far they have brought the salon in such a short time, despite having to close during Covid when lots of hairdressers closed."

The Royton mum said it feels "amazing" for their salon to be recognised for the hard work the team do every day.

The Oldham Times: Shannon (left) and Sophie (right) have been friends since collegeShannon (left) and Sophie (right) have been friends since college (Image: Visions Hair Salon)

She said: "To be chosen from so many salons in the North West, it makes all the hard work and effort worthwhile.

"The girls love their jobs and keep up with all the new techniques and styles so they can stay with all the new trends and try to make sure they can provide the best customer service they can.

"We did it last year but this year, we have done even better.

"It makes such a difference."

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