A Brecon make-up artist with an eye for detail has won a national award.

Carly Clark, who runs Prettybow Makeup and Holistics, has been named Hair and Makeup Specialist of the Year at the Welsh Wedding Awards 2022.

The Welsh Wedding Awards recognise exceptional wedding suppliers that go above and beyond to ensure the uniqueness of every wedding. More than 150 wedding specialists gathered on Wednesday, March 23, at The Portland House in Cardiff to find out the winners of the annual awards ceremony.

Carly, who currently has chair in Brecon’s Beaunique, has had a passion for make-up and artistry since an early age.

“I’ve wanted to be a makeup since I was about 8 years old,” she said. “I used to cut out makeup looks from magazines and stick them in a scrapbook!”

After leaving Crickhowell High School at 16, Carly went on to study at Hereford College of Technology.

“I soon realised my passion for makeup artistry and a talent which led me to become self-employed in 2018,” said Carly.

She worked from her kitchen until finding herself a room in Beaunique in Brecon, where she has been based since.

Through her business, Carly offers a wide array of services, from special occasion and bridal make-up to holistic treatments - specialising in heated massages such as rose crystal and lava shell.

Talking about her favourite aspects of the job, Carly said: “I love being part of a bride’s wedding morning I feel lucky to share all the special moments.

“I’m very lucky to work in a salon with my best friends going to work is such a delight for me.”

The Covid pandemic was extremely challenging for the beauty industry. Carly was forced to adapt, and through using her Instagram page to offer make-up lessons and tutorials, she offered a difference service and built her social media presence to over 15,000 followers.

Carly, who has now an impressive six separate awards for her work, is thankful to her loyal clientele and the support she’d had from the local community.

“I’m so thankful for my clients that voted for me and continue to support me, with welcoming me to Brecon,” she said.

“My goals are to concentrate next year teaching makeup artistry to those wanting a career in makeup or to anyone wanting to learn more advanced skills.”

The Welsh Wedding Awards, celebrating its fourth year, provide a platform to showcase those who promote excellence in the wedding industry. The winning businesses inspire others by their achievements and hard work, to add the fairy-tale sparkle to any wedding.

A spokesperson for The Welsh Wedding Awards 2022 said:

“The winners represent the industry’s gold standard that work tirelessly to meet the demands of the couples and their guests.

“The Awards showcase some of the best wedding specialists that operate in the industry, whose excellence and commitment brought them at the forefront of the industry.

“These champions are tried and tested specialists that know how to create a stress-free wedding experience, keeping the romance in the air. We would like to congratulate all finalists and winners for their amazing achievements.”