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Trish ‘makes up’ for lost time in new career
Trish Anderson swapped a high-flying corporate job for one that would bring a calmer pace of life, and would allow her to get paid for what she’d always loved doing.
“I chose to study a Diploma of Beauty Therapy (SHB50121) with TAFE Queensland after moving to Queensland. I'd been working for a corporate company for 20 years in a role that saw me responsible for 65 franchisees. It was a very high-stress job, and I decided that I needed to reduce that (stress) and spend some more time with my family,” began Trish.
“So I opted to do something that I've always loved, which is beauty. I've loved make-up my whole life, doing it and skincare — on my family. Trying to get them to look after their skin as well as I look after mine.”
Trish runs her beauty business, Freshwater Skin and Beauty, from home.
“I wanted to choose something that I would love for the rest of my working life. So I applied for a Diploma of Beauty Therapy (SHB50121) and got accepted,” Trish continued.
“I applied online via the TAFE Queensland website. It was a simple process. I selected my desired course and location.”
Trish studied the Diploma of Beauty Therapy (SHB50121) at TAFE Queensland’s Ipswich campus, which required three days of on-campus learning, and one day online via Zoom. Trish was eligible for Higher Level Skills government funding to help subsidise the cost of her training.
“The teachers, tutors and administration staff at TAFE Queensland were very supportive and inspiring. They had a lot of industry experience — in practical areas, in salon and with teaching,” said Trish.
“They actually helped me decide that a career in the beauty industry — specifically with a home salon — would be a good fit for me.”
Trish continued, “They shared how they started their salons themselves, and provided me with some great feedback on how to start small.”
During the Diploma of Beauty Therapy (SHB50121) students cover theory and practical skills such as waxing, tinting, facials and relaxation massage.
“We were encouraged to find our own clients at ‘Salon on Mary’ — the salon at the campus. The administration staff also had a database of willing clients we could access. This ensured a constant stream of varied clients for me to practice on and refine my skills.”
Trish was particularly impressed by the facilities and equipment on campus.
“They always had the latest equipment — especially for facials and massages,” shared Trish.
Now, at Freshwater Skin and Beauty, the home salon that Trish established since completing her qualification, facials and makeup are her specialities, in addition to providing waxing, tinting, lash lifts, brow lamination, spray tanning, massage, makeup tutorials, manicures and pedicures.
“For anybody considering studying beauty, it's a great industry to get into. There are many, many options that you can explore as a career. You can work in a standard salon just doing brows and waxing. You can go into laser, you can work on cruise ships, or you can become a teacher. So many options,” advised Trish.
“Also, I've found the beauty industry to be very supportive. Networking with my fellow teachers and students has been fantastic. We're a really good support for each other — just to bounce ideas off and see how we're going, helping each other along the way,” Trish finished.
Facials and makeup are Trish's specialities, in addition to providing waxing, tinting, lash lifts, brow lamination, spray tanning, massage, makeup tutorials, manicures and pedicures, at her beauty business.