A Dumbarton make-up artist who only swapped a career in accountancy to pursue her dreams in the industry has picked up three top awards.
Amerz Hardy took the decision to move into hair and beauty despite her background in accountancy.
But she saw the world turned upside down by the pandemic just after she qualified in March 2020.
The 43-year-old has, however, gone on to work at London Fashion Week as well as doing makeup on a short film.
And last month she was named regional winner for Scotland at the UK Hair and Beauty Awards in the categories Makeup Artist of the Year and Best Bridal Makeup Individual.
Amerz, who is originally from Ireland, also came second in the UK for her bridal makeup.
She said: “I can’t believe that I won three awards. I am completely blown away.
“I was delighted to make the shortlist, but I never imagined I would win. I’m absolutely delighted I brought home two wins and a second place in the UK to Dumbarton.
“I attended the awards with my friend Jade Jones who won Best Bridal Makeup Individual for East Midlands. We are both over the moon to be recognised in these prestigious industry awards. We enjoyed plenty of celebrations.”
Speaking after her nomination, Amerz told the Lennox about her drastic career change.
She explained: “I am a part-qualified accountant so this was a completely new industry to me. I did modelling part-time and I was always interested in the hair and makeup side of things of a shoot.
“I loved how an artist would arrive with all these wonderful products and perfect a transformation based on the individual brief.
“I was really keen to learn this side of the industry and my love for makeup began. “
