A salon owner who has become one of the few salons to be certified vegan says she hopes to inspire others to follow in her stead.

Carla Corte, who runs by Hair by Carla in Winterbourne Dauntsey, received the certification after it was certified all her practices and products were aligned with a vegan message. To her knowledge, she is now the only vegan-certified salon in Andover and Salisbury.

“I would like to inspire others on how easy it is to be eco-conscious,” she said. “It involves a little bit of everything, but anyone can do it, it just involves being a little bit more resourceful. I want to help others to be more eco-friendly, advise them and inspire a new generation.”

Carla comes from Portugal, where she originally trained to be a hairdresser. However, she ended up studying psychology and criminology at University, but financial issues forced a change of plans.

“I ran out of money at University so I moved to St Mary Bourne to work in the Vitacress factory to make some,” she said. “When I was there, I met the father of my son and my six month stay has turned into living here for 20 years.”

After separating from her partner, Carla turned to hairdressing again, applying for jobs in and around Andover. However, she didn’t have the qualifications for the salon, but a salon owner gave her a chance, provided she studied alongside her work.

“I went to evening classes as I started hairdressing again,” she said. “I’m so grateful for being given the opportunity to work in the salon.”

Later on, she worked in Salisbury, before opening up her salon in Winterbourne Dauntsey in September 2017. While working there, she has been trying to make sure it was certified as vegan and cruelty free.

“I’ve been working really hard to get that on my door as I believe in a balance of life and health,” Carla said. “I use British products made in Lymington, as I’m trying to be as eco as I can.

“I believe we can all live in harmony with nature as I want people to see everything is possible if you put effort into it. As far as I know I’m the only vegan certified salon around Andover and Salisbury.”

Her work has also been recognised with nominations for prestigious awards including the SME Awards and the Hair and Beauty Awards.

Carla said: “I’m overwhelmed to have been there as a sole trader, and very happy as I have been recognised nationally.”

She plans to help others follow in her footsteps, as part of her plans for the future.

“I’m a dreamer,” she said. “I find it hard to take no for an answer, and I’m going to keep going.”