A SALTCOATS beauty therapist said she has been "taken aback" by her recent triple award success.

Dawn Paterson Ross came away with a trio of awards when she travelled up to Glasgow for the grand finals of The Scottish Makeup Awards.

Amongst a whole host of winners from various cities across the nation, her small business within the registry office building in Saltcoats was hailed as the best in the country.

Her business, Dawn Paterson Ross Permanent Makeup and Scalp Artist, was named the regional winner in the Semi Permanent Makeup Specialist category, as well as going on to win the overall crown for Scotland.

Dawn, who is originally from Ardrossan won the same awards in 2023, but this time went one better when she won top prize in the 'Best Customer Experience' category, a new award set up this year.

Dawn, who also teaches at South Lanarkshire College, said she had no idea what to expect heading into this year's awards.

Following her previous success last year, it was suggested that she bow out on a high - though she decided to back herself instead.

She told the Herald: “I few people said before that I shouldn’t go to it and end on a high – what if you don’t win it? – But I thought ‘I’m going to go again’.”

And after a nervous wait, with her category the last to call, it was all worthwhile when she was named the winner once again.

“I think I nearly fell on the stage because I was so taken aback," Dawn added.

Dawn was also quick to thank her clients who made it all possible.

The award winners in the event were decided based on both client feedback and a portfolio of work submitted by nominees.

Particularly given her win for 'best customer experience', Dawn said she was blown away with what her clients said about her and her work.

She commented: “The support I got last year was amazing but even more so this year. I was nearly greeting with everybody’s kind words.

“It’s all about my clients. I wouldn’t be here without my clients.

“I just want to thank everybody for the continued support because I am a small business and it means so much to me.”

As she looks to the future, Dawn hopes she can continue to grow her business and offer even more to those who have supported her.

Dawn Paterson Ross Permanent Makeup and Scalp Artist is currently open from Thursday-Sunday every week.

Anyone interested in finding out more can do so online at facebook.com/dprpermanentmakeup.