A HAIR and makeup artist faced extraordinary challenges after following her dream of setting up her own business.

Marie Kelly battled an autoimmune disease, suffered bereavements and recovered from car accidents soon after deciding to become her own boss.

Her efforts in the face of adversity impressed awards judges from Swindon-based businesses and a global magazine chain.

Marie, who runs MK Hair and Makeup, won Business Start-up of the Year at the Whitewed Directory Awards and Best Professional Hair and Makeup Artist in the UK at the LUX Global Excellence Awards.

She said: “I can’t believe I’ve been crowned the winner in not one but two awards for such amazing titles within weeks of each other. I am so proud of how far I have come in just a short space of time with my business.

“It has been a daunting and tricky road as I seem to have been thrown every obstacle within my first year. It was a particularly difficult time but I was and still am determined to make my company a success.

“Not only was it a worrying time to start up my company in January 2019 in such economic uncertainty, I also had to tackle some traumatic personal events when I was involved in two serious motor accidents as well as going through some losses in the family.

“My passion is hair and makeup and making people happy, and it’s no mean feat running a demanding company, especially when you have to manage having an autoimmune disorder too. You have to be determined, so to be recognised in this way really does mean so much to me.

“I put everything I had into starting the business and every part of my soul went into making sure it was exactly how I wanted it to be.”

Business West’s Swindon and Wiltshire director Ian Larrard, DoubleTree by Hilton Swindon’s Emma Richards and RedheadPR founder Sara Tye judged the Whitewed-shortlisted businesses. Ms Kelly also reached the final of Inspiring Business Person of the Year.

Marie serves clients all over Swindon and the west from her base in Pewsey.