A LOCAL beautician attributes her success in the annual Millicent Community Business Association (MBCA) Business Awards to her decision to start her own enterprise.
Almost a year ago, Brianna Scanlon won the coveted service category from over a dozen nominations.
At the time, she was operating out of a hair salon and the win in August 2016 was a career turning point.
“I didn’t expect to win and it gave me a lot of confidence,” Brianna said.
“It pushed me to expand the business and I opened Enchanted Beauty by Brianna in my own shop about two months later.”
According to Brianna, the annual awards are a great boost to businesses in Millicent and she encourages everyone to be involved this month by filling out nomination forms.
Brianna said she was also nominated for an award in 2015 and hopes to be on the list again this year.
She said the 2016 awards ceremony was a remarkable night and was shared with a table of 10 friends and family members.
“I seriously did not expect to win,” she said.
“I was up against people who had been in business a lot longer than me.
“When I heard my name read out, I just froze.
“I didn’t know what to say on stage, but I managed to come up with something.
“Afterwards, we danced until the music stopped and then we partied on at the Sporties.”
Brianna said the reaction to her MBCA win was overwhelming and it has supported her as she moved to a stand-alone business.
“Business is going well and I have my regular local clients as well as those who travel from Naracoorte, Mount Gambier and Casterton,” she said.
“I have bookings for five weddings as well as the Tenison Woods College and Millicent High School graduations and formals in December.”
The 21-year-old was also full of praise for the awards night itself and recommended people secure their tickets for the 2017 event.
“The awards night is fantastic and you get to catch up with other people in business,” she said.
“It is nice to dress up and enjoy one of the highlights of the year.”
The awards night will take the form of a cabaret at the Millicent War Memorial Civic and Arts Centre on August 12 with Terry and Jules Sutherland.
Nominations from the public close on June 30 for the seventh annual wards.
An independent judging panel will determine the winners.
