71184-08TV beautician Georgina Akers is setting up her own salon in Swindon where she hopes to attract other celebrity stylists.

She beat thousands of applicants to become a receptionist on Channel Four's reality hair and beauty programme The Salon, which was screened last year.

Georgina, known as Gina on the show, is still making regular television appearances on programmes such as ITV's This Morning, the BBC's Test The Nation and Bravo's Fashanu's Football Challenge.

The 25-year-old, who trained and taught at Swindon College, hopes to continue her media career as well as run her salon, @Aqua-G, in Regent Street.

But her time in the limelight has not gone to her head and she is looking forward to working in her hometown.

She said: "I did consider setting up a business in other locations but at the end of the day all my friends and family are here.

"Swindon is my home and I want to give something back."

@Aqua-G is scheduled to open at the end of July, offering a range of hair services and luxurious beauty and nail treatment.

Georgina, who lives in Greenmeadow, has already booked other stylists and therapists who have appeared on the Channel Four show.

But she is keen to employ local beauty experts and is currently recruiting.

She said: "There is a glamorous side to hairdressing but it is only when you get to a certain level.

"There are people in Swindon who have got a lot of talent and this would give them the chance to develop their career and work alongside celebrity stylists.

"I don't expect them to stay here for ever. If they end up working in a London salon then that's great, I would have helped them get there."

Georgina is not just qualified in hair and beauty she also has a degree in business management.

And she has won the National Nail Competition for a piece inspired by space as well as being awarded the City and Guilds Licentiateship in Beauty Therapy, which is only given out seven times a year.

The salon will also be supporting other local businesses when it opens, as Monarch Hair and Beauty Supplies, in South Marston, will supply all products.

Applications for positions at @Aqua-G can be sent to Salon Recruitment, PO Box 2762. Swindon, SN2 1ZR.

Bhavani Vadde