A BLACK Country beauty technician has nailed first place at a prestigious industry award ceremony.

Jodie Rock, who runs Jodie Rocks at High Street’s Nail NV salon, took home the prize for Top Tech Permanent Polish in the UK Nail Tech Awards 2015.

The 30-year-old, who was previously a mature student on Stourbridge College’s nail technology course, said: “I thought that I might place, but when I saw some of the technicians I was competing against, I never thought I would come first.

“I won by 11 points, which was magnificent. I really couldn't believe it. I was gobsmacked.

“My granddad Denis died the day before my competition, so I have dedicated the award to him.”

Before turning to a career in nails and beauty, Halesowen resident Jodie worked in sales. But after losing her job in 2012 she was given the opportunity to get back into education and gain the qualifications she needed.

She said: “I always wanted to do nails and beauty, but due to certain circumstances I failed the first time round.

“Initially I took beauty therapy at Stourbridge College, where I entered World Skills for Nail Art and won a silver medal for the national heats.

“Then I was given the opportunity to complete a nail technology course, which is where I met Khadine.”

Her course tutor Khadine Coleman is also the owner of Nail NV and offered Jodie a job once she completed her training.

Khadine said: “Jodie is a lovely girl and she is super talented. I believe she will go on to win many other awards.

“It usually takes years and years to progress in the industry but Jodie is just brilliant and her career has rocketed.”

Jodie said she would not be where she is today if it was not for the support and guidance she has received from her former tutor.

She added: “Khadine has helped me so much by giving me my break into an industry which is notoriously difficult to get into.

“She has taught me so much and has pushed me to achieve things that I didn't think possible, like winning this competition. I have a lot to thank her for.

“I love my job now and have never looked back.”