Olivia goes from Construction to Contouring

But behind the work boots and high-vis, Liv carried a lifelong passion that she’d never quite dared to chase - make-up artistry.

A proud Kuku Yalanji woman now based in Toowoomba, Liv loved her trade but knew it wasn’t a sustainable career.

When health issues meant she had to step away from plumbing, the idea of starting over felt daunting.

“I loved plumbing, but didn’t see myself doing it forever, and when I was unwell, I looked to change careers. While make-up had always been something I adored, I never thought it could be a career,” Liv said.

Her biggest supporters – her mum, Jules, and her sister, Megs - gave Liv the encouragement she needed to take the leap.

“They pushed me to trade tools for brushes and chase my dream, and I’ll be forever in debt to them for that,” she said.

At the end of 2024, Liv enrolled in a Certificate III in Make-Up (SHB30221) at TAFE Queensland’s South Bank campus.

It did mean commuting for two hours each way from Toowoomba, but the combination of driving and riding the train didn’t faze her.

“I didn’t hesitate because I was so committed to my purpose. TAFE Queensland’s facilities, the products, and the guest speakers made the training so incredible,” she said.

“My mum even came with me some weeks and sat in on practical sessions. She was my biggest cheerleader, especially after we lost my Oma. My studies were something special we shared.”

Liv found more than just industry-standard equipment and technical training in the classroom.

She discovered a supportive network of teachers and classmates who believed in her, even when she doubted herself.

“At first, I was shy and anxious, wondering if I was in the right place. However, my teacher, Jessica Peacock, saw something in me, and she challenged and supported me, pushing me to believe in my abilities. I wouldn’t be where I am without her,” continued Liv.

Liv felt her knowledge and skills grow with each lesson, alongside her confidence.

She mastered make-up artistry and discovered a passion for brows and lashes, which she now offers as part of her business’s professional services.

Her business, Alter Beauty, saw Liv build a home studio, transforming a spare room into a whimsical, calming space to help her clients relax.

“I always knew I wanted to be my own boss, and my studies gave me the skills, the knowledge, and the confidence to do it. Now, I’m living my dream.”

While Liv is already taking bookings and building her reputation, she has her sights set on an even bigger dream: becoming a bridal make-up artist.

“From the first day at TAFE, when they asked what our goals were, I said bridal make-up, which hasn’t changed. What has changed is my improved confidence, skills and knowledge to become one,” she said.

By the end of her studies, Liv was named TAFE Queensland’s Graduate of the Year, validating her decision to change career and chase her passion.

“That moment was surreal. In just six months, I went from questioning if I belonged in this industry to being named graduate of the year, to building and running my own business,” she said.

Now qualified, confident and gaining industry experience, Liv hopes to return to the classroom as a teacher one day.

“I’d love to train the next generation of artists and show them that this is more than just a hobby - it’s an art and a career,” she explained.

For Liv, the journey from plumbing to make-up artistry has been about more than changing industries. It’s been about finding herself.

“Studying at TAFE Queensland has changed my life. I’ve gained the knowledge, skills, and confidence to chase my dreams, and proof that it’s never too late to start again,” Liv concluded.