The East Maitland woman has set up her own business doing what she loves and has thrown her hat into the 2020 Maitland Showgirl ring to make new friends.

She moved to Maitland in 2017 after spending more than three years in Germany.

"I was doing laser engraving and cutting, I made some signage like parking signs and LED wall signs for businesses," she said.

"Now I'm running the same sort of business here, but it's a little bit more skewed towards arts and home decor.

"I've been making decorative cutting boards, and I've been working on some art that is all intricate and laser cut out and then painted and glued and layered together on a canvas."

The 24-year-old runs her business, called Laserhaus, out of her home. She admits that can be a bit isolating, so the showgirl movement is an opportunity to become more involved in the Maitland community.

"I'm dyslexic so I struggle with any kind of office work, but I find I really strive when I am doing anything that is really creative and 3D," she said.

"I'm here everyday focusing on the business and it gets a little isolating, so I thought it was a good chance to get out into the community and also to get my name out in the community.

"I had a bit of a hard time in Germany, it was a little bit dangerous and very stressful. I was there right on the cusp of the refugee crisis and there were riots and that sort of thing. I'm trying to relax and get back into the Australian way of life. This is where I want to be."

Ms Hassler said she enjoyed the atmopshere in Maitland.

"I like Maitland better than Newcastle, it's calmer. I like the sense of community. You didn't have that in Germany and not so much in Newcastle, it's more of a city. I feel you can go out and make friends, and I feel safe here," she said.

There are seven young women in this year's quest. The 2020 Maitland Showgirl, and placegetters, will be announced at the official opening of Maitland Show. The show will be held on February 14, 15 and 16.