A single mum who arrived in Australia as a refugee from Iraq has rebuilt her life and restored her confidence and self-esteem by establishing a successful business.

Sanaa Petros has overcome family violence, civil war in her homeland and years spent living precariously as a displaced person in Lebanon.

But she has finally found stability and a promising future after arriving in Melbourne in 2019.

Even after initially settling Melbourne’s northern suburbs with her young son, Sanaa, 34, faced immediate and overwhelming barriers, including limited English, no Australian work history, no income, no qualifications and deep emotional trauma.

But with the support of migrant and refugee settlement agency AMES Australia, she has overcome her difficulties.

“Even though I was living in a crowded home with my extended family, I felt isolated and unsure of how to begin rebuilding my life,” Sanaa said.

But when I was referred to AMES Australia, that started to change,” she said.

Initially, Sanaa lacked the confidence to speak in public and avoided social interaction. But she started attending English classes and mentoring sessions and slowly gained confidence.

Over time, Sanaa realised her passion for nail artistry, which she had practised in both Iraq and Lebanon could provide an opportunity.

She was supported to turn her skills into a business.

“I was coached by my Marah, my mentor at AMES. We built a tailored plan and registered an ABN,” Sanaa said.

“We transformed my garage into a basic but professional nail studio. We also created business cards and launched an Instagram page to promote my business,” she said.

AMES staff used the Workforce Australia Employment Fund to pay for essential items, including foldable doors for privacy, a manicure table and chair, salon tools, and nail supplies.

Sanaa’s business opened in March 2025 and has since maintained a steady flow of customers.

“Now, I’m not just surviving, I’m planning for my future. I want to take short courses in lash extensions or waxing to expand my business and income. I am also continuing to improve my English,” she said.

“I never thought I could work in Australia. I used to feel like I had no place here, but now I feel proud. I’m doing something good for me and my son. Every time a client comes to my home and leaves with a smile, I feel stronger,” Sanaa said.

“From the first day I walked into AMES, I had a good feeling – now I know it was right. AMES helped me believe in myself.”

Sanaa’s mentor Marah Maitah said Sanaa’s journey from trauma to transformation was a testament to what is possible when someone is given the right support at the right time.

“Sanaa is no longer defined by her past or her barriers – she is a determined, capable woman building a better life for her family, one client at a time,” Marah said.

“Sanaa has reported improvements in her confidence, mental wellbeing, and parenting since starting her business.

“Achieving self-employment has transformed nearly every aspect of Sanaa’s life – emotionally, socially, and economically. From a woman who once doubted her ability to ever work in Australia, Sanaa has become a confident, self-driven small business owner who now believes in her potential and feels proud of what she’s building for herself and her son,” Marah said.