Summer's following her beauty dreams

For as long as Summer can remember she has always been interested in beauty.

"Growing up I always loved beauty services and was often playing around with makeup on myself and others," Summer said.

"One day I thought to myself, 'I'm going to jump in and turn this into a career' and I haven't look back since."

Summer, 27, enrolled into the Certificate III in Beauty Services (SHB30115) at the TAFE Queensland Cairns campus.

"From the first day, the training was hands-on. We learnt eyebrow waxing theory in the morning and by the afternoon we were completing our practical."

TAFE Queensland beauty students hone their skills in campus training salons that are open to the public.

"The salon is just like being in industry. From the moment my clients walked through the door the experience was the same. Completing our training in the salon enabled us to be job-ready," Summer said.

"The teachers are well-connected to industry, we had guest speakers present to the class including a local artist who offered several students work experience. Work experience enabled me to get my foot in the door and secure employment."

During her training, Summer also had the opportunity to participate in Walking in Two Worlds, a runway show by First Nations Fashion and Design. Summer said it was an amazing hands-on experience that enabled her to develop and showcase her skills.

"The support, training and experience that was offered to me at TAFE Queensland made me believe that the beauty industry is where I belong. I love that I get to make people feel good about themselves, it's something I am incredibly proud of."

"TAFE helped me in so many ways. I actually had the worst anxiety before I started my training and the course completely put me out of my comfort zone. But I met so many amazing people who brought me out of my shell and I now have skills to be able to speak to all different types of people. TAFE really opened my eyes to how easy it is to smash out a course and make something of yourself."

Since graduating Summer has opened her own business, Evolution Beauty Cairns which specialises in eyebrows and eyelash extensions. Booked out weeks in advance and with plans to expand, Summer said becoming a business owner was the best decision she ever made.

"I love being my own boss, I get to set my work pattern and watch my business grow. I choose when I want to work and I focus on finishing my work around my daughter."

Summer said managing her personal, work and training commitments wasn’t as hard as people might think.

"I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in the beauty industry, so I found a way to juggle my studies with motherhood. My advice to other parents is, if you have a passion for something, you can make it work so jump in and start studying."

If you want to check out Summer's work you can follow her on social media: