Solihull Beauty Entrepreneur Reaches Two Major Awards Shortlists

A Solihull beauty entrepreneur who began her career in Sardinia has secured two further awards nominations after building a successful West Midlands salon.

Paola Spiga, founder of Glam and Glow Beauty Lab in Hockley Heath, has been named a finalist in the Best Beauty Business category at the UK Small Business Awards.

Her salon has also been shortlisted for the Customer Commitment Award at the 2026 Solihull Chamber of Commerce Awards, organised by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.

The winners of the Solihull awards are due to be revealed at the National Conference Centre on 11 September.

Paola opened Glam and Glow Beauty Lab on Stratford Road in October 2023 after building more than 20 years of experience in the beauty and wellness industry.

The business says the latest finalist places take its total to 13 awards, nominations and industry recognitions in less than three years.

Previous achievements include being named Start-Up of the Year at the Ladies First Awards in 2024, receiving the Ladies First Special Recognition Award in 2025 and being listed among the top three beauty salons in Solihull.

Glam and Glow Beauty Lab has also received recognition from Fresha, the Muddy Stilettos Awards, the UK Hair and Beauty Awards and the Small Business Awards.

Paola said: “Thirteen recognitions in under three years are something I could never have imagined when I first opened the doors.

“Every single one of them belongs to my clients. They are the ones who trust me, who come back and who push me to keep raising the bar.”

Paola first became interested in the industry after leaving her university pharmacy studies and beginning an apprenticeship at a salon in her native Sardinia.

She initially worked without pay while learning make-up and nail treatments before securing a position at the five-star St Regis hotel in Florence.

During three years at the hotel, Paola continued her studies while providing treatments to international guests, including, she says, members of royal families.

She said the experience shaped the standards she later brought to her own business.

Paola added: “It was the most important time of my career. That incredibly high standard of service has stayed with me ever since.

“I always ask myself whether I would be ready if a prince walked through the door. I want every client who visits to receive that same level of care.”

After moving to the UK in 2014, Paola worked at a number of salons and spas before establishing Glam and Glow Beauty Lab at Hockley Court in Hockley Heath.

She said: “I always knew I wanted my own salon, but I wanted to do it properly.

“For me, it was about finding the right location, choosing the finest products and creating a space where every detail matters. I believed in my skills. I just needed the right moment.”