The winner of the Sidmouth Herald Hairdresser of the Year 2024 award is a salon owner who says she has a ‘passion’ for her work.

Elena Channing runs the Pride Hair Studio in Newton Poppleford, which has been voted the best in the Sidmouth area by Herald readers.

She started the salon aged just 22, having worked in hairdressing since she was 12 years old.

Elena said: “I started working in a local salon as a Saturday girl, and there I fell in love with the job.

“After school I went to Exeter College to study hairdressing, and after completing that I worked in local salons until I decided I wanted my own space.”

She transformed a former phone shop in Newton Poppleford into the Pride Hair Studio 13 years ago, and it’s grown into a highly successful business.

Elena works as a senior stylist alongside Rianne Dawe, and Jai Prettejohn who specialises in curly hair.

She has recently created the Pride Hub on the floor above the hair studio, where Kelly Walker and Charlotte Bigg offer permanent makeup, and Emily Hole offers other beauty therapies. 

Elena said: “The salon is my absolute passion -  I absolutely love what I do.

“At Pride we are all great friends, which provides a great atmosphere. With such busy lives I want our clients to relax, have a chat and some good coffee, and feel fantastic afterwards.” 

“Running a business isn’t easy, and being passionate about something is extremely important in making it a success. 

“Winning the award has been amazing. We all love and are passionate about what we do and to be recognised for that is incredible. 

“Looking into the future I’m looking at increasing the team with another hair stylist and more therapists in the Hub. 

“I would like to thank all our loyal clients and all the girls, previous and current, who have worked with me at Pride. 

“If you are interested in becoming part of our team at Pride please contact Elena on 07891 329862.” 

To contact the Pride Hair Studio call 01395 567272, or visit Pride Hair Studio on Instagram or Facebook.