An Ayrshire dog spa, which has been opened less than a year, has won best new business at the Scottish Business Awards.
Dionna Sinclair, the owner of Kilmarnock-based A Dug's Life Dog Spa, was thrilled her efforts were recognised after only ten months in business.
Brave Dionna took the plunge to open the spa in London Road in November 2021 after quitting her advertising job and going to learn her new trade earlier that year.
She said: "I have such a passion for animals, especially dogs, and all of my life I wanted to work with dogs.
"I decided after the second lockdown to follow my dream, so I quit my job and went to a dog grooming school in Glasgow in March 2021.
"It was about 30 weeks of intense training, then while I was still training I took a gamble and bought the premises in London Road.
"I'm so thrilled to have won best new business and would like to thank all of my clients for nominating me.
"I think what makes my spa different from others is the one-to-one approach I take with each dog to make sure they are happy and they are well and truly pampered with the different flavoured facials on offer.
"Some of the dogs refuse to leave the salon by the end of their treatments!"
Dionne's first client was her late pooch Molly who passed away last week.
Dionne added: "I never expected the win, I was shaking when they called my name.
"My family has been amazing, really great support. My partner Colin and my mother and father-in-law were all so helpful in getting the spa up and running.
"I can't thank my family enough and a huge thanks to my wee Saturday girl Corey who has shown such a passion for working with animals and to all of my clients who nominated me."
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