A YOUNG Kelty woman who underwent major surgery for scoliosis aged just 15 has become an award-winning make-up artist.

While Jessica Trent, now 20, spent months at home in recovery, she mastered the techniques she needed and built up a client base.

She was offered courses at two universities after completing her education at Beath High but went on to work with Find Wax Bar & Beauty.

She won best make-up artist in Scotland recently after also taking home the title in Fife.

Now she's taking a leap of faith and opening her own make-up salon in Kinglassie on Friday.

Proud dad Ken said: "Jessica has been through a journey that makes us very proud.

"At the age of about 13, she started wearing a Boston brace as we were told she had an 'S'-curved spine, which is the most severe.

"You can imagine that is a big deal when you are at school. She went through a tough time.

"After about two years, the surgeon said they needed to operate within two weeks.

"The surgery has left her with two titanium rods the full length of her back.

"It's a brilliant procedure but there are still risks and you could be paralysed if things go wrong.

"It took a long time to build up her body and stamina again – it was eight to 12 months of recovery.

"She just did her school work from home but she still passed her exams.

"She also taught herself make-up skills and built up a client base."

As well as picking up awards, Jessica has flown abroad to do wedding make-up, worked her magic on models for Gok Wan and has also been the make-up artist for the front cover of a magazine.

Ken added: "Jessica was offered courses in art and photography for university and she puts all that creativity in her make-up.

"At her new shop in Kinglassie she'll also be hiring out two work stations for others and she's already had a lot of enquiries.

"Nothing phases Jessica, and myself, her mum Stephanie and her brother William are all very proud of her."

Trant MUA and Defining Brows at Main Street in Kinglassie will open at 7pm on Friday.