An eyelash technician has earned a nomination for the upcoming regional beauty awards despite only starting out two years ago.

Jayde Randell runs Faringdon’s RayJ Beauty & Hair after founding the beauty business back in 2021.

She has now been practising for two years, specialising in eyelash and hair extensions, and has been making an impact, earning the regional nomination.

“I am so excited after being nominated as I didn’t expect to get it as I have only two years’ experience so even if I don’t win, it is just nice to get this far,” said Jayde.

“We’re being judged by professionals from the industry who know what to look for so it is nice to know that my work is being appreciated.”

Swindon Advertiser: Jayde has been listed as one of the top 10 people in the area for specialising in eyelashes.Jayde has been listed as one of the top 10 people in the area for specialising in eyelashes. (Image: HBA)

The 30-year-old made the move into the business full time after deciding that she wanted to follow her passion for beauty into the professional arena.

“I’ve always been really interested in doing it but the Covid pandemic delayed me from doing so,” said Jayde.

“I absolutely love doing this type of work as I am really passionate about it and I don’t think you could do it if you weren’t passionate about it given how hard work it truly is.

“I used to work in the civil service for seven years but working from home with RayJ has given me more flexible hours which is good when you have young children.”

Jayde, who has a nine-year-old daughter and a six-year-old stepson, insists that business has been booming too since the company’s inception.

“I have lots of regular customers but initially you have to work every hour under the sun to build up that client base,” she said.

Swindon Advertiser: Jayde has recently branched out into hair extensions.Jayde has recently branched out into hair extensions. (Image: Jayde Randell)

“It is a very competitive business and eventually I would love to set up my own training academy and teach others to do it.”

As well as her eyelashes, Jayde has also recently started doing hair extensions on a day-to-day basis.

“I love doing the hair too as otherwise I would be bending over all day just doing lashes so it’s a nice variety now,” she said.

The ceremony will take place in Birmingham on Friday, April 21, and Jayde will be competing alongside nine other nominees.

“The judges will pick out a winner from the ten of us,” she said.

“I will be attending it live via video call.”