Luton lash stylist named finalist at UK Hair and Beauty Awards 2026
“I am incredibly honoured and thrilled to be recognised as a finalist at The UK Hair and Beauty Awards”
University of Bedfordshire student named finalist at The UK Hair and Beauty Awards 2026.
Luton lash & brow studio owner Elzbieta Kalawska-Kopacz recognised among the UK’s best in beauty treatments
Elzbieta Kalawska-Kopacz, a second-year Media, Marketing and PR student at the University of Bedfordshire and founder of Luton-based lash and brow studio Faces by EKK, has been named a finalist at The UK Hair and Beauty Awards 2026, representing Luton in the Lash Stylist category.
Faces by EKK is a fully accredited lash and brow studio and training academy based in Luton, Bedfordshire. With over 12 years of experience in the industry, Kalawska-Kopacz has built a reputation for setting the highest standards in lash artistry and professional education. The studio offers a range of bespoke treatments alongside nationally recognised training courses, including Classic, Russian Volume, and Hybrid lash extensions, as well as brow shaping and lamination.
“I am incredibly honoured and thrilled to be recognised as a finalist at The UK Hair and Beauty Awards. This nomination means the world to me — it reflects not only my own dedication but also the trust my clients and students place in me every single day. Starting from scratch, from a completely different career, and building something that is now recognised at a national level proves that passion and hard work truly pay off,” says Elzbieta Kalawska-Kopacz, Founder of Faces by EKK.
“My journey into the beauty industry is one I’m incredibly proud of. I came from a completely different world — working in a warehouse and as a forklift operator — and retrained entirely from the ground up. I later obtained my AET/PTLLS teaching qualification so I could pass on my skills and help others build careers they love. Over the past eight years as a training provider, I have helped many students launch successful careers in the beauty industry,” she adds.
“Alongside running Faces by EKK, I am currently studying Media, Marketing and PR at the University of Bedfordshire. It gives me a unique perspective — combining hands-on industry experience with an academic understanding of brand strategy and communications.”
The UK Hair and Beauty Awards celebrates the very best talent across the hair, beauty, barbering, and aesthetics industry. Finalists are selected through a rigorous judging process, placing Faces by EKK among the most accomplished businesses in the country.
“Our awards have the highest national entry rate. We pride ourselves on our outstanding results process, which helps UK hair and beauty businesses determine the true best in UK results.” — CEO, The UK Hair and Beauty Awards
For more information about Faces by EKK, or to find out about upcoming lash and brow training courses, follow on Instagram: @facesbyekk_education and Facebook: Faces by EKK Treatments and Training.
About Faces by EKK:
Faces by EKK offers professional treatments and Ofqual-recognised training courses for aspiring and established beauty professionals. 65 High Town Road, Luton, Bedfordshire.