Barnard Castle Serene Spa among Echo top ten finalists

Serene Spa salon on Redwell Court in Barnard Castle, is owned by 39-year-old Ashley Cummins, from Butterknowle.

What began as a small venture has grown into a thriving beauty and hair business employing six staff.

From left, Ellie Wood, Ashley Cummins and Vikki Dixon at Serene Spa in Barnard Castle (Image: STUART BOULTON)

And despite being only 39, Ashley’s career already spans almost a quarter of a century.

She first gained experience at Smithy’s, starting with work experience before securing a Saturday job at 14 and later becoming an apprentice when she left school. She remained there for a decade before launching Serene Spa.

Ashley said: "We have been in business for 14 years and started off in a hub at Barnard Castle for nine years.

"Five years ago, we opened where we are now as we needed to expand. It used to be just the two of us at the other place, but now we have six girls for beauty and hair, and offer a really wide range of services.

"It is such a lovely feeling to be nominated. I was so overwhelmed - it was the nicest feeling knowing everyone took the time to vote for us.

"I do want to say thank you to everybody who has always supported and looked after us. We are always really grateful."

Serene Spa in Barnard Castle (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The full list of nominees to be crowned best hairdresser can be found here.

To vote, you simply need to cut out a coupon printed in The Northern Echo this week and next.

You have until Wednesday, March 4, to vote for your favourite and return it to: The Northern Echo Best Hairdresser 2026, Local iQ House, 1 Dalston Road, Carlisle, CA2 5NP, before March 4.

Votes will be counted shortly after voting closes.

In the meantime, we’ll be highlighting one of the salons in our top ten each day to help you decide which one to vote for.