'I was quite shocked and emotional' - north Derbyshire business owner wins place in final of Professional Beauty Awards 2027

A north Derbyshire business owner has nailed a place in the final of the beauty industry’s most prestigious awards.

Allure beauty academy, owned by Davina Robinson, is shortlisted for nail salon of the year 2027. Davina, who lives in Wingerworth, said: “I was quite shocked and emotional when I found out.”

She made the happy discovery that she was in the final of the Professional Beauty Awards after seeing that she had been tagged on Instagram. “They did an announcement - it was for my category and my name was at the top,” said Davina. “To have been shortlisted is a bit insane!”

The winner will be announced at an awards ceremony in London Hilton on February 28, 2027.

Davina , who has been in the industry for eight years, works at a salon in Clay Cross. She said: ”I do lashes, brows and facials, but mainly nails which I really enjoy as it makes clients happy.

“I offer normal gel nails, basic manicures, Bio Sculpture and BIAB nails.” Bio Sculpture is a treatment gel that helps with nail issues or abnormalities. BIAB is a thick gel overlay that is applied directly to natural nails to create a protective shield that promotes long-term nail growth.

Davina, 24, expresses her creative talent through nail art. She said: “I am very artistic when it comes to little funky designs - I really enjoy that side of it. In autumn and winter, tortie design is quite popular - it’s like a tortoise’s shell. At Christmas, you’ve got snowflakes, baubles and Christmas trees.”

Others hoping to work as a nail technician are benefiting from Davina’s expertise and knowledge. She said: “In the last year I’ve gone into teaching students. It was quite an achievement for me getting my teaching certificate. Some are already qualified in nails and and they might want a refresher course, some might be coming out of college, some of them have never picked up a nail file. If it’s a beginner, I’ll send them my training manual and then it’s a one to one session in person.”

Davina has always had an interest in beauty. “I left school and did two years at Chesterfield College in Level 1 and 2 Beauty Therapy,” she said. “Coming out of college I went straight into my first job in a salon in Newbold called Mirage and I’ve continued from there. I worked in the Nail and Beauty Lounge in Calow and since I became self-employed two years ago I’ve worked at A1 Nails and Skin Clinic in Tupton and at Marcelle’s Lash and Beauty Academy in Clay Cross.

“Unfortunately, Marcelle’s, the salon I’m currently at, is closing so I’m in the process of moving. I’m staying in Clay Cross and I’m moving up to Scissor Sisters on the High Street within the next couple of weeks where I’ll have a private room. It’s nice working within a salon. I’m aiming towards having my own salon one day.”

Davina was awarded a highly recommended certificate for best new salon in the Hair and Beauty Awards 2025.