WITH the nomination period for the Reading Retail Awards firmly under way, submissions from satisfied customers have been rolling in.

Mirror, Mirror Hair and Beauty has been nominated in both the Service with a Smile and My Favourite Shop category.

Situated in Caversham Park Village, Mirror, Mirror was opened in November by three sisters, Katie Brandom, Victoria Cornell and Emma Waring, and their sister-in-law Louise Pearce.

“It is a family run business and I think people can really tell,” said Mrs Pearce, who works on reception.

“When parents come in for a long session with their children there's plenty for them to do. They can play with the colouring books, use the free Wi-Fi on their tablets or sit up with mum.

“It feels very homely and its a customer centred experience. People go away feeling they've been listened to.”

Watching over the sisters is their mum Julie Waring, who enjoyed a career styling with L'Oréal, Toni and Guy and Wella before opening her own salon in Hampshire.

“Julie taught the girls everything they know,” said Mrs Pearce.

“In other salons, there are different levels of qualified hairstylists. Here, they are all qualified to the same level. It means that if one of the girls is on holiday, people know they will still get an excellent cut.”

Becky Volker, who nominated Mirror, Mirror in the Service with a Smile category, said: “The ladies at Mirror, Mirror are so friendly and welcoming, and have created a lovely local salon.

“Visiting is a real pleasure. They've also brought life and vibrancy to a neglected corner of Caversham.

“They're passionate about improving this shopping arcade which can only be a positive thing for Caversham Park. They really deserve to win this category!”

he Reading Retail Awards are in their seventh year. Nominations close on July 11 with the awards ceremony at the Hilton Hotel on September 17. Nominations can be made and votes cast at http://www.readingretailawards.co.uk/