Among a myriad of winners nationwide, Dawn's small business within Saltcoats' registry office building stood out as the nation’s finest. Her venture, Dawn Paterson Ross Permanent Makeup and Scalp Artist not only secured the regional title in the Semi Permanent Makeup Specialist category but also emerged triumphant as Scotland's overall winner.

This marks Dawn's second consecutive year of success, having previously secured both the regional Southwest and National awards for 'Semi Permanent Makeup Specialist of the Year' at the 2023 ceremony.

Dawn, who has been part of South Lanarkshire College’s lecturing team since 2009 and in further education since 2003, expressed her joy, saying, “I was nearly in disbelief when they called my name – it was such a surreal moment.”

Winners were selected based on both client feedback and a portfolio of work submitted by nominees. Dawn, particularly thrilled by her win for 'best customer experience', expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support from her clients.

“I love working with clients and seeing their faces when they are delighted with the results, so I was on cloud nine when I heard I had won again! I just did not expect it,” Dawn added.

Margaret Campbell, Dawn's Curriculum Manager at South Lanarkshire College, praised Dawn’s remarkable achievement, stating, “Dawn’s win came as no surprise to her colleagues and students at the College, as she is a truly inspiring lecturer, always ahead of the curve with new ideas and concepts for teaching in the classroom, and her continuing professional development in new fields is truly inspiring to her students”.

The Scottish Makeup Awards, which debuted in 2020, took place at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in Glasgow on Sunday, 11 February.