Earlier in 2024, Journal readers were asked to nominate their favourite salons or beauty therapists, and after hundreds of votes, Beauty by Justyna won.

Justyna Misinska, 38, runs Beauty by Justyna at a salon in her home on Devizes Road.

After the initial nominations, Justyna was shortlisted alongside four other salons.

“It was a very nice surprise”, she said, “I didn’t expect it. I saw it in the newspaper that there were nominations for beauty therapists and my clients were texting me. I thought, I’ll just give it a go.

“I just couldn’t believe it – it was just so nice when there was just five of us shortlisted- I was like oh my god!”

On September 19, she was crowned winner, named ‘beautician of the year’.

READ MORE: Salisbury Journal Beautician of the Year 2024 winner

She said: “When I saw my name, I just couldn’t believe it. It was just a lovely surprise.

“I would like to thank everyone who took part in voting for me. Their support means a lot, they’re just amazing clients and I’m really grateful to have them in my life.”

Justyna, who was born in Poland, moved to England when she was 19, starting off by working as an au pair. After some time had passed, she decided to stay and have a change of career.

'I just couldn't believe it!''I just couldn't believe it!' (Image: Newsquest)

She said: “I decided that I would stay in England for a bit longer. I’ve always liked beauty – I loved to do make up and nails. My friend said she’s going to do beauty, so we were thinking we could do it together and then I really enjoyed it, I said it’s the thing I want to do in my life. I fell in love with it.”

After completing a beauty course at a college, she worked in salons and a spa, before starting her own business, offering a range of beauty treatments: massage, nails, brows and reflexology, specialising in skin treatments and facials, using Dermalogica products to suit different skin types.

Two years ago, Justyna had her son, and decided to move her business to a room in her home.

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“I thought it would be quite nice to work from home”, she added, “my clients followed me and I met new clients. For me, beauty is more like a hobby – it’s my passion and I love making people happy.”

She is passionate about spending time with her clients and offering advice and treatments unique to each person.

“One client said it’s like their oasis – you spend time with me, you’re not rushing. It’s a very relaxing atmosphere. In some places, you’re on a time, whereas here you’re just more relaxed and I’m not rushing.

“The most important thing in this job is making people happy, if people are happy I am happy!” she said.