An entrepreneur who risked selling her home to fulfil her dream of running her own business has been nominated for a Croydon Champion award. 

Dennie Smith, of Selsdon, recently sold her home of 23 years to fund the opening of the Vintage 62 salon on Selsdon High Street. 

Mrs Smith, 53, worked as a hairdresser in the area for more than 30 years amassing clients.

Her hard work has been rewarded as she has been nominated for the Business Champion award, reflecting her full dedication to opening and leading her own business. 

Now, she has two record boxes filled with clientèle details. 

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In launching the business earlier this year the mother-of-three kitted the salon out with retro memorabilia sourced from a number of unusual locations including a 1930s cinema and wartime collectables.

Taking over eight months to complete, she has described this period as the "most stressful time of my life". 

She was nominated by Michael Betts who described Mrs Smith as "bringing interest and style to Selsdon". 

He added: "There are many happy clients who look forward to appointments there and there is a great feeling among staff."