Earlier this year The Chill Out Spa's MD Sharon Carroll was crowned Entrepreneur of the Year at the Merseyside Women of the Year Awards.
Located within the gated walls of Knowsley Hall, the home of Lord Derby, The Chill Out Spa offers an exclusive hide away for luxury pamper packages as well as a range of top class beauty treatments from nail care, waxing, eye lash extensions and St Tropez tanning.
Sharon, who hails from Prescot, embarked on her dream of launching her own premises in 2008, after nearly two decades in a career in finance.
Since its inception, the Chill Out Spa's trophy cabinet is bulging having been showered with a number of awards, including Thalgo's prestigious Spa of the Year 2011.
Last week, I visited Sharon in the spa's gorgeous rural surroundings - restored Victorian farm buildings retain cobbled pathways and exposed brickwork - to see if she has had chance to 'chill out' since the incredible set of wins.
Beaming with pride, Sharon said: "I was overwhelmed with the win for Entrepreneur of the Year.
"There were so many worthy nominees and I was delighted just to be amongst them.
"When it was announced that I had won, I was bowled over.
"Such a wonderful surprise, and it really did feel like my hard work had been recognised.
"But I've never considered myself an 'entrepreneur' as such.
"In truth, I'd been on the look-out for premises for a number of years.
"Embarking with Chill Out Spa in the midst of a Recession was far from ideal, but we've proven it is possible."
42-year-old Sharon explained that it was far from one 'light bulb' moment which brought her the success of Chill Out Spa, but a culmination of many years in the planning.
She continued: "Starting out at the age of 19, my career with Natwest Bank was very enjoyable.
"I adored interaction with the customers and soon became part of a training team responsible for travelling all over the country.
"However, in the late 90s it all changed as the leap to call centres began. It became so faceless, so dull.
"I missed the client contact, I've always been a people person.
"I decided to think about my life and where I saw it going.
"As a side interest I'd take a Colour Analysis course for ladies. Loved it.
"After that I decided to retrain in beauty and all aspects of massage. In the beginning, I managed a small space in my own home to accommodate clients.
"It was a delight to provide my clients with a service they enjoyed, I loved offering my expertise in the field and everyone was happy.
"My vision had always been for a luxury experience, a spa rather than straight forward beauty salon.
"The dream was to provide women, and men, with a world away from all the hustle and bustle of life. Inviting them into a peaceful space where they could truly relax and benefit from the treatments.
"At last, after many years and quite the battle the obtain our glorious premises, I feel it's finally become a reality.
"But I'm not sitting back on my laurels.
"The awards are fantastic but I'm determined to expand our services yet further, taking on more staff so I can offer more late night openings to accommodate everyone."
Whilst visiting the spa, Sharon insisted I stayed for two treatments in the "Hot Stone Taster Treatment (£60)" and the incredible "Shellac luxury manicure" (£45)
For 60 blissful minutes I was placed in the careful hands of amiable beautician Leanne, who provided a back, foot and head massage with a mini-facial included in the treatment. The hot stones are placed along the spine and into each of your hands, with the heat penetrating deeply to soothe and relax you further than the average back massage.
Even more impressive was the new Shellac nail technology which combines the resilient finish of a gel nail overlay with the ease of paint-on colour to guarantee a 'no chip' promise for up to two weeks. Before applying the natural pink I had chosen, Leanne exfoliated my hands and arms with a thoroughly relaxing massage included.
Shellac is almost identical to any other manicure, a clear base coat is applied followed by two coats of coloured polish follow, then a high-gloss top-coat. The difference being at each stage your nails are placed in an ultraviolet lightbox to dry the polish instantly for 20 seconds. The rock hard results are incredible and I'd urge you try this manicure, it's worth every extra penny!
Specifically designed packages for romantic couples, pampering days for mums and daughters and luxurious treats for hen dos are available to enjoy in a group. You can make a day of your spa break, with breakfast or lunch on offer in the café, with complimentary teas and coffees provided throughout your experience as you relax in the Tranquility Lounge.
For further information, full price list and to book a treatment please visit www.chilloutspa.co.uk or call 0844 9670 599
Chill Out Spa, Stanley Grange, Ormskirk Road, Knowsley Park, Merseyside L34 4AR. Opening times: 9am - 5pm, with late night opening until 9pm on Thursdays.
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