A business owner is ‘thrilled’ after her venture was named the Bridport and Lyme Regis News' Beauty Therapist of the Year.

Toni Rodway opened The Painted Nail in Redlands Yard, Broadwindsor, five-years-ago with only one unit. It has gradually grown into the salon it is today, complete with five units and a full team of seven talented therapists.

The Painted Nail won the award after making a shortlist after people nominated their favourite beauty salon or beautician. Readers of the Bridport News were then invited to choose their favourite from a list of 10.

Ms Rodway said: “It’s great to have won this award, especially being up against all the big beauty salons in the area.

“People know us as just nails and to win an award for beauty therapy is great. One of our clients nominated us which was lovely.”

She has been in the business for 21 years, starting out as an apprentice.

Ms Rodway who specialises in nails said: “I went along to model for a friend, and I thought I would quite like to do this, so I approached her to work as an apprentice.”

She progressed her way up and eventually moved to managing the salon before starting out on her own.

“I opened The Painted Nail as I was working mobile and from home doing 12-hour days, with four children and a busy personal life, I just wanted somewhere to work from to keep work work and home home.”

She added: "I took a beauty therapist on, and it just snowballed.”

The salon owner described the business as having a ‘really nice, warm and welcoming atmosphere.

She said: “When I opened the salon, I wanted it to be personal with a warm welcome and I think that’s what our clients love.

“We are just a really friendly bunch and get on really well and it’s a great environment to come to and have a treatment - we care about our clients and we also give a great service.”

The salon offers treatments including manicures, waxing, massages and facials amongst others, and Ms Rodway is also an educator, offering classes for aspiring nail technicians.

The salon is always welcoming new clients and for booking enquiries visit: www.thepaintednail.co.uk, or alternatively call 07378 818676.