Lossiemouth eyelash artist Michelle Williams wins pair of prestigious titles at NovaLash's 'LASHoff'
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A LOSSIEMOUTH eyelash artist is on top of the world after winning a prestigious pair of awards.
Michelle Williams (43), who lives and works in Elgin, was named NovaLash's Lash Artist of the Year and Fan's Choice Artist of the Year at the 2020-21 LASHoff at the weekend.
With the official event, originally due to take place last April in Houston, Texas, cancelled, Michelle saw off more experienced competition at a virtual ceremony to net $35,000 worth of advertising, marketing, cash, prizes, and travel.
Even after a few days of soaking in the news, Michelle – who only started off in the industry three years ago – is still up on cloud nine.
"It's unbelievable," she said. "To win two awards is just amazing, that has never been done before. I don't think I'll ever come down (from cloud nine).
"The fan's choice means everything to me, it means global recognition. The fact that those who voted for me see my work worthy of that is amazing. Words will never express my gratitude for people that voted for me.
"That was announced before Lash Artist of the Year. To have seen the videos from everyone who entered and then to win that.. I can't get my head around it."
Speaking on the cash won, Michelle added: "I haven't even comprehended the money yet, I'm still revelling in the awards.
"The money is not why I entered, I entered to keep me going. The awards are more important than the cash.
"I'm yet to see how the money will be divided up but I'd love to be able to use some to meet the other finalists in person."
Michelle runs I-Lash by Michelle in Elgin and has gathered a loyal customer base within just three years.
She was quick to thank the local community for the love and support which helped her win this pair of awards.
"The local support has been amazing," she said. "I'm still filtering through all of the messages I've received, my phone has been going off constantly.
"The support has really inspired me to work harder and keep going.
"Also, thanks go to my husband Stu, my wee girl Olivia, my parents Pete and Liz, all my friends, family, team NovaLash and my fellow lash artists in this area and around the globe.
"But most importantly to my loyal customers for sticking with me."
Moray's SNP MSP Richard Lochhead congratulated Michelle on her double award win.
He added: "It's brilliant to see a Moray businesswoman winning such a prestigious award and what an achievement.
"The beauty sector plays an important role in our local economy and comprises many small businesses that reflect our local entrepreneurial spirit.
"Times have been tough these past few months so this is something for the local sector to celebrate."
