'I pamper the vulnerable people in society'

As a child, Megan Jones struggled with learning to walk, riding a bike and even holding a pen.

Now 22, she still faces those challenges - but is successfully running her own beauty business catering specifically for people with disabilities.

The Beauty Spectrum, in Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire, specialises in manicures, pedicures, gel nails, and facials.

"Throughout my life I've always noticed that the world isn't always very accommodating, or an inclusive place," said Ms Jones. "I wanted to have a beauty business that was accommodating and inclusive to everyone."

Since launching her business at the start of the year, Ms Jones has treated clients who are - like her - autistic, people with Down's syndrome and visual impairments, and elderly people.

"I specialise in pampering the vulnerable members of society," she said. "I'm very good at respecting the client's boundaries, so if a client doesn't want part of the treatment being done, I won't do it."

Ms Jones said some of her neurodivergent clients usually found salons too "overwhelming", but had discovered a safe space in her treatment room.

She had originally planned to work in either nursing, childcare or beauty.

"I can't be a nurse, simply because I never managed to get maths. My biggest dream in life is to have children, and I have heard that childcare is a bit of a difficult one if you plan on having a family.

"So I decided to do this instead.

"There's a bit of medical in it, because you're working with the human body, and there's a bit of childcare as well because I do treatments for children."

Ms Jones said she was proof that neurodivergent people, and people with disabilities, could be successful.

"The teachers in my class used to shout a lot - I thought that the reason I struggled was because I was a naughty child.

"The kids sometimes were very cruel and unkind, if they didn't get it. Sometimes, the teachers as well.

"I was told so many times that I wasn't going to do well, and I'm here now.

"It's not a disability, it's a superpower."

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