OWNING a hairdressing and beauty business has been a childhood dream for Gemma Sandercock and over the weekend she was able to celebrate a successful year of trading.

The Royal Wootton Bassett-based business, Gemma Sandercock Hair and Nail Stylist, offers clients a variety of nail and hair treatments including manicures, pedicures, nail extensions and hair colouring.

Gemma, 24, said despite giving up a lot to open the business, including her full-time childcare job, she feels as though everything has paid off, gaining widespread support from her friends, family and clients.

“The celebration event went really well and all the clients loved it, we had cocktails, cakes, a raffle and discounted treatments,” she added.

“It was great to celebrate the first year of business because has gone really well. It has been far better than I ever expected it would be and I’ve had some great feedback from my clients.”

Gemma, who is already a trained nail technician, decided to go back to college to learn the skills of hairdressing – something which she has always dreamed of doing.

Now, she believes she has been able to find her niche in offering clients the complete package of treatments.

“Since I was three I have always wanted to become a hairdresser but I never took it any further,” Gemma explained.

“I never thought I would go back to college but my partner at the time said why not do it if it is something you have always wanted to do?

“My grandma encouraged me to carry on with it as well while it was a lot of money to give out, she said go for it.

"The minute I cut someone’s hair in college I remember the conversation I had with my mum to say that I just loved it.

"I really struggled in college but I worked hard and it has definitely paid off."

For more information about Gemma's business, visit www.gemmasandercock.com