A WEYMOUTH small business owner who is marking her 10th year anniversary says she wants to change the perception of health and beauty workers.

Michelle Broad started Michelle Helena Beauty back in 2013, basing herself out of an office building in Lynch Lane.

She has been in the beauty industry for 18 years after working at a few salons elsewhere in Weymouth before launching her own venture 10 years ago.

To mark the milestone, Michelle held a VIP event at her business on Saturday with her clients, who joined her for a glass of bubbly and a celebratory cake.

There was a raffle to keep guests entertained, too, with money raised going to Weldmar Hospicecare. 

Speaking to the Dorset Echo, Michelle was keen on shining a light on small businesses which have endured the tough task of emerging from the pandemic unscathed.

She also said she wanted to try and change the public stereotypes of workers in the health and beauty trade, accusing some TV shows of portraying them as 'bimbos'.

"Sometimes it is about supporting the small businesses rather than the chains," said Michelle.

"Everything has gone up so much so the fact that clients are still coming in with their hard-earned cash - I am very grateful for that.

"You are constantly running the business - you don't switch off at the end of the day. A lot of people do not see that side."

She added: "It is quite a big thing to have any anniversary, let alone 10 years. We don't have any passing trade so anyone who does come in has all been word of mouth.

"What a lot of us really missed during lockdown was wellbeing and therapy. A lot of TV soaps portray us as bimbos and it is nice to give the industry a bit of a good mark.

"The beauty and aesthetics industry is continually growing and with more guidelines being introduced it's gradually being recognised more as a skilled profession."

Michelle said her secret to getting through the pandemic was 'always looking ahead' to the next months to see where income is coming from.

"Lockdown was surreal for many, however I was fortunate to come out the other side with my business still running," she explained. 

"A lot like everybody it is about keeping costs down but also using quality products. 

"I'm so grateful to have reached the milestone of 10 years in business and many clients have been with me on this journey for 18 years. Their loyalty and support has been amazing."