The nail technician spent her first shift removing nails for clients in preparation for the following day when COVID-19 lockdowns forced the business to shut down.

"I was like 'this isn't how it's meant to be'," Ms Dawson said.

But two years later, she's opened her very own shop front 'Polish Me Pretty' in the Atrium Shopping Centre.

Ms Dawson's love for nail art started by accident when her sister begged her to go along to a TAFE course with her to complete their certificates.

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"She said 'come and do it with me so I'm not alone and I know someone," Ms Dawson said.

"I really wasn't interested, but now I've found a real passion for it."

Before moving into her own shop, Ms Dawson had been operating her business out of her home, and said moving in to her own space marked a huge step for her career.

"I never put myself first because I'm always the mum, or I'm always the back up plan," she said.

"It's nice to be a priority to myself."

While most nail salons offer acrylics Ms Dawson has aimed to set herself apart from the crowd, by using a soft gel technique that has only recently hit the market.

"With this new system there's minimal filing and no smell," she said.

But the beauty therapist said she sees her shop as more than just a business - it's also a place for creativity and connection.

"I get to paint pretty pictures, do colours and have conversations with people," Ms Dawson said

"I've really grown to know my clients, I feel like I'm a part of their family because I know so much about them. It's so beautiful."

Helping her clients feel beautiful in their own skin is also a top priority.

"It's a confidence boost, they feel all sassy," she said.

With the beauty industry hit hard by lockdowns and restrictions over the past two years, Ms Dawson said it was great to see her fellow beauticians getting back on their feet.

"It's quite nice that we're all getting back to some what normal."

Whether you're in the market for a simple polish or something more out there, Ms Dawson said she could cater for anyone.

And she has no shortage of inspiration, over the years she was donned snake skin nails and encapsulated fake red back spiders on her finger tips.

'Polish Me Pretty' is located at shop 17 in the Atrium Shopping Centre on Peel Street.

The service is appointment only. To book in visit the 'Polish Me Pretty' Facebook page.

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