Sebta: best of the rest

BRIGHTON

BELLE

Brighton was the setting for the second SEBTA competition. Annette Hanford reports

The second SEBTA (Student Electrotherapy Beauty Therapist Award) competition was held at the prestigious Grand Hotel in Brighton, Sussex. The competition is open to all Level 3-and-above students, whatever their age, or college, and focuses on delivering the very best in facial electrotherapy treatments.

After the six student finalists had been under close scrutiny all morning, Carlton Professional MD Angela Barbagelata-Fabes said it was her turn to be nervous as she welcomed competitors, lecturers, judges and the press to the competition.

"It is wonderful to be here with you all to celebrate the best in electrotherapy," she said. "You are the best in the country and we want to thank you for entering. We want the best and there's no point in making something that's worth winning easy, so I congratulate you all, as you have excelled above many others and are already winners."

After thanking everyone who had worked so hard behind the scenes, including the judges (right) and the models for the day, Angela called her husband Charlie-Claude Barbagelata to the stage and awarded the prizes.

First place went to part-time City and Islington College student Olubukola 'Booki' Coker, who was presented with a hand-made trophy, £500 and a Carlton Ultraderm machine. Her winning lecturers, Michelle Zini and Saloua El-Khadiri, will share £250, while the college receives £1,000.

"I am truly elated and didn't think I could get any better than being a finalist," said Booki.  "I have been getting lots of practice until it became second nature, and now feel ready to go into the industry."

Second prize went to Kelly Marie Taylor from Warwickshire College, who was awarded £250 and a high-frequency galvanic machine, £150 for her lecturer, and £500 for the college to spend on Carlton equipment.

Third prize went to Emma Hobbs from Oxford and Cherwell Valley College who took away £150, a Carlton high-frequency machine, £100 for her lecturer and three wax starter kits for the college.

* Next year's competition will take place on 18 June. Call The Carlton Group on 01903 761 1000 or visit SEBTA for more information.