WOMEN from Penarth won two categories at a new national women’s awards ceremony.

The inaugural Welsh Women’s Awards 2019 welcomed more than 200 guests at the Exchange Hotel in Cardiff on Wednesday April 3, in a celebration dedicated to women.

The awards ceremony, hosted by radio presenter Polly James, aimed to showcase the contribution of women to various industries and professions such as Law, Medicine, Technology, Arts, Sport, Education and many more.

Elena and Sofia Costa of Costa Sisters Productions won the award for Young Entrepreneur of the Year, while Toni Leigh Hall of Banter Cards and Banter Gifts was hailed as Business of the Year (less than 50 staff).

Elena and Sofia Costa are videographers, focussing on producing slick, professional videos for weddings, although they are open to other projects. Their work has taken them across the world, including New York, Texas, Canada, Thailand, Australia, France, and Spain.

Banter Cards and Banter Gifts is an online retailer specialising in funny, rude and vulgar greetings cards and party gifts. The foul-mouthed cards now sell all around the world.

The awards also provide a platform to thank and recognise social leaders for efforts with society’s most pressing problems, as well as for the work they carry out on a daily basis that often remain unknown or unappreciated.

A spokesperson for the Welsh Women’s Awards 2019 said: “We are delighted to have acknowledged successful women from across Wales who have stood out among the rest in their profession.

“It is a pleasure to see that empowered women, empower women and this memorable ceremony highlighted exactly that.

“We hope that The Welsh Women’s Awards provided a platform to encourage women at all ages to achieve their goals and spread the message that women can be successful leaders, entrepreneurs, influencers, scientists and CEOs among others.

“The awards showcased examples of courage, passion, skill, commitment and success that every woman has, and we would like to congratulate all finalists and winners for their impeccable achievements.”