Annabel turns a passion for beauty into a dream job in Hamilton Island

“I've always had a passion for all things beauty. It's always something that I've really wanted to do,” she explained.

That passion has now taken her somewhere she never expected, with Annabel recently securing a dream role as a spa therapist on Hamilton Island.

Annabel completed her Certificate III in Beauty Services (SHB30121) in 2025 through the Queensland Government’s Career Start program, designed to help Queenslanders gain their first post-school certificate III qualification, before progressing to the Diploma of Beauty Therapy (SHB50121) in 2026 with Career Boost, a government subsidy supporting eligible students to access training in priority skill sets and higher-level qualifications.

“So, I started off studying my Certificate III course. My teachers really encouraged me to enrol in the diploma level course,” Annabel said.

That encouragement proved to be a turning point.

“And I'm so glad that they did, because I really discovered my passion for spa treatments and body massage and facials,” she said.

A key part of Annabel’s training was the balance between theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.

“I think there's a really good balance of both theory and practical. They teach you how to provide these beauty services, but they also teach you why you're doing them and what it does to the skin and how it affects your body,” she said.

This practical approach is central to TAFE Queensland’s industry-focused training, ensuring graduates are confident and job-ready.

“I think the hands-on practical training is really important. It helps you gain confidence delivering services. It helps you build rapport with clients,” she said.

Annabel also valued working with real clients, giving her valuable insight into what to expect in the workplace.

“We work with real clients every day, and it replicates what it will be like in the workforce,” she said.

Annabel completed her qualification at TAFE Queensland’s Ipswich campus, where students train in a professional, purpose-built environment designed to mirror industry conditions.

The campus features an open-to-the-public beauty salon, ‘Salon on Mary’, where students gain real-world experience delivering treatments to paying clients under the guidance of experienced educators.

This hands-on environment allows students to build confidence, refine their technical skills, and develop essential client service abilities in a supportive, low-pressure setting, ensuring they graduate job-ready with the practical experience employers value.

Despite being a relatively short course, Annabel experienced significant personal and professional growth.

“It's only a year long, but I think you grow so much within that year,” she said.

Her career aspirations evolved dramatically along the way.

“To think that I wanted to do eyelash extensions when I first started to now being a spa therapist,” she said.

Shortly after completing her diploma studies, Annabel secured a role that combines her two passions — beauty and travel.

“I have just been offered a job as a spa therapist in Hamilton Island. I've always wanted to live and work in Hamilton Island.”

She credits her qualification with making this opportunity possible.

“I never really thought that a career in beauty would take me there, but it the opportunities that a diploma can give you,” she said.

Having explored several different career paths before finding her passion, Annabel encourages others to take that first step.

“I think the hardest part is just applying. You'll never know what opportunities will come unless you try.”

She also strongly recommends studying with TAFE Queensland.

“I would recommend that anyone studies a course at TAFE. The teachers are so supportive. It's such a positive environment to come to every day,” she encouraged.

At just 23, Annabel has already experienced multiple careers, from university studies to working full time as a flight attendant and is now embarking on a new chapter.

“I think it's really cool that I'll be able to combine my two passions of beauty and travel when I move to Hamilton Island,” she said.

Annabel’s journey shows that with the right training and support, it’s possible to turn passion into a fulfilling career.