2014 Winners interview - VANITY THRILLS Best Vintage Style Beauty & Grooming

Ariana Marcantonio goes under the name of Vanity Thrills Vintage Hair. Primarily working at Miss Dixiebelle in Edinburgh, where she is head stylist. Miss Dixiebelle is Scotland's original vintage hair and beauty parlour (EST 2010) and also houses a vintage-inspired boutique. She is a fully qualified hairdresser and has also worked in theatre, film and television.

What do you have planned for your business/yourself in the next year?

I'm currently on maternity leave having had a little girl in September! So I'm missing work at the moment but often pop into the salon to see the girls. I'll be going back part time next year and am looking forward to helping the business progress even further. We plan to get even bigger and better!

What are your favourite vintage events?

I always enjoy working at Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair and I enjoy going to burlesque and cabaret shows, locally.

Why did you decide to enter the NVAs?

Miss Dixiebelle had won Best Regional Shop the year before so when I saw The National Vintage Awards had included a hair and beauty category there was no way I couldn't enter!

How did you feel when you won?

Amazing and shocked! I genuinely didn't think I would win as I was up against some fantastic talent. I even debated not travelling down for the awards as I was very uncomfortably pregnant and was so convinced I wouldn't win! But I'm so glad I did! It was a great feeling to have my work recognised.

What was the most positive thing about entering the NVAs?

Just to have what I do recognised by people who know their stuff! And it's a lovely atmosphere at the event and very supportive.

What would you say to other people who are thinking about entering in 2015?

Go for it! You just never know.

What business tip/quote would you give to anyone starting out in the vintage industry?

Know your stuff! You really have to love what you do and know it inside out otherwise you'll never be good at it. It's not a fashion fad!

How has being a NVA Winner affected your business/yourself?

It's probably brought us more recognition which is brilliant!

Thanks for having me! Ariana x

For more information:
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