Lingfield salon owner named triple finalist in the 2026 Women’s Business Awards
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The founder of KB Hair Extensions and KB the Hair Studio is celebrating finalist recognition for Hair Business Woman of the Year, Inspirational Woman in Business and Solo Entrepreneur of the Year.
Kerry-Ann Buckell, the entrepreneur behind KB Hair Extensions and KB the Hair Studio, has been named a finalist in three categories at the 2026 Women’s Business Awards.
Based near the Sussex and Surrey border, Kerry-Ann has built a business combining specialist hair extension services, a private salon experience and an online community of more than 100,000 Instagram followers.
Her finalist places recognise different aspects of her journey: her work within the hair industry, the resilience behind her business and her achievements as a solo entrepreneur.
After facing skin cancer twice and navigating a challenging period in her professional life, Kerry-Ann opened her first independent studio in February 2025, bringing the space together in less than two weeks. Six months later, she expanded with KB the Hair Studio, creating private rooms where independent stylists could grow their own businesses.
As a single mother, Kerry-Ann has balanced building her business with raising her son, while developing a career that now includes celebrity clients, brand campaigns, industry speaking opportunities and national recognition.
Alongside her salon work, she is a founding member of TikTok’s SME Council, a member of the L’Oréal Pro Collective and part of the HJ Business Boardroom. She uses her platform to share hair education, transformations and an honest look at life as a salon owner.
Reflecting on the nominations, Kerry-Ann said:
“Being a finalist in all three categories means so much to me because each one represents a different part of my journey. Building this business while raising my son and overcoming personal challenges has taken determination, and there have been moments when simply keeping going felt like an achievement.
“I wanted to create somewhere clients could feel comfortable, confident and looked after, while also building opportunities for other independent stylists. To have that journey recognised is something I’m incredibly proud of.”
Kerry-Ann is continuing to develop her business through education, creative collaborations and further study in trichology.