Stacey McIlkenny has been working as a hairdresser for 11 years and opened Pretty Little Hairs four months ago. Describing the decision to go self-employed, Stacey said that it was difficult but she felt that the time was right to go for it. “Since opening Pretty Little Hairs I have been busier now than I ever have been. It was hard at the start but the time was right,” she said. “When I found out that I had been shortlisted for Best of the West I couldn’t believe it. To only be open four months and having my customers nominate me for this award means so much, I honestly cannot believe it. “I would like to thank all my customers, my family and friends for nominating me and for voting for me, it means so much.”