Monika Muzyka has scooped the coveted title just over a year after opening her salon Monika Hair Designer close to her home in Radstock Road. 

Specialising in colouring, hair cuts and helping clients gain healthy hair and scalp, Monika has come a long way since she qualified as a hairdresser in Poland in 2007.

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Taking a break to bring up her son, Monika was a mobile hairdresser in the UK before the launch of her own space last March, a long held dream.

She has been celebrating ever since hearing she had won the prestigious annual prize, voted for by members of the public in their droves.

Monika, who turned 39 this week, told the Daily Echo: "Hairdressing is my passion and this is my dream come true. 

"It's my first really big achievement in the industry and I just can't describe how emotional I feel about it.

"Clients love my crazy nature and my enthusiasm, but I can't believe this is real and that it's really happened to me. I'm extremely happy. 

"I've had to work so hard, but it's been worth every single bit of sweat and every single tear shed, plus every single penny I had to save. 

"I sometimes feel like a therapist and it's important that every one of my clients is not rushed and gets one to one time with me. It's always been like that since the start. 

"It's amazing, I'm unstoppable now. Now I know this is real, I believe anything can happen! 

"I'm an optimist and I love making people happy. Bigger salons can treat customers as a number not a person and I couldn't be more different.

"I would like to say thank you to each and every client who voted and supported me from the  beginning, and also new customers who support my little but successful business.

"Special thanks to my husband Sebastian, who never lets me give up even when I had weak moments and our son Alex for his understanding, love and support while I was away training."

Monika is also a regular supporter of the Little Princess Trust, a charity which gives hair and hope to children with cancer.