An Ayrshire beauty boss who ‘rescued the industry’ during Covid is on cloud nine after being awarded an MBE.
Lesley Blair, 52, from Coylton fought passionately to get salons back to business after they were battered during the pandemic.
She has told how she would spend hours on the phone to parliaments across the UK, urging them to get the sector back on track.
Her efforts have now been given the ultimate praise after she was recognised in Her Majesty the Queen's Birthday Honours List to mark the Platinum Jubilee.
The CEO of British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC) and the Confederation of International Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (CIBTAC) has told of her shock at receiving the award.
Lesley told Ayrshire Live: “I am on cloud nine. I’m absolutely blown away by it.
“I was sworn to secrecy for five weeks. It was actually torture trying not to tell anyone.
“But to have it announced on the Queen’s Jubilee makes it even more special.
“I was able to celebrate last night with some of my girlfriends. Lets just say I’m feeling a wee bit tired this morning! I can’t wait to celebrate with my family over the weekend.”
Lesley has dedicated 30 years to the industry and has campaigned tirelessly for the UK beauty industry to be regulated and safer.
During the pandemic, Lesley went into bat for her colleagues up and down the country, becoming an expert advisor for the government.
She helped convince First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to pledge £19 million available in support to close-contact businesses that were affected by Omicron restrictions.
Lesley said: “The MBE is lovely for our industry too. During Covid I actively fought to get funding for our sector.
“Scotland was so badly hit, we weren’t able to take off masks during appointments.
“I was on calls to all the governments, in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland four or five times a day for our industry.
“I have a huge passion for the beauty sector. I’m so glad it survived.
“Beauty salons are the lifeblood of our high streets, they are vital for peoples mental health. It was worth fighting for.”
Colleagues have hailed Lesley as a "champion of the beauty industry" with praise coming from industry leaders.
The Cabinet Office, in its announcement relating to Lesley's honour, said: "She is without a doubt, responsible for the survival and return of the beauty industry in Scotland."
The former Kyle Academy pupil has told how her old school friends have been in touch as she is congratulated by villagers.
She added: “It is an amazing thing for someone from Coylton to be recognised in this way. I can’t believe the response. It is a massive honour.”
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