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Gervaise finds confidence and career direction through beauty
For Gervaise Mooney, a career in beauty didn’t begin with a lifelong plan. It started with a simple conversation.
“My mum’s a beauty therapist… and she said, Gervaise, there’s this course at TAFE… would you be interested? I was like, why not?” explained Gervaise.
That decision sparked a journey that would see her build confidence, gain in-demand industry skills, and take her education all the way to university.
Gervaise began her journey while still at school, enrolling in the Certificate III in Beauty Services (SHB30121) through TAFE at School.
“I was doing one day a week and I really enjoyed it. And I just kept going.”
After discovering her passion, Gervaise made the bold decision to focus fully on her beauty career and left Year 11.
She progressed into the Diploma of Beauty Therapy (SHB50121), completing intensive, hands-on training across advanced treatments, followed by a Certificate III in Nail Technology (SHB30321).
To support her studies, Gervaise accessed a VET Student Loan (VSL), an Australian Government program that helps eligible students pay tuition fees for diploma and higher-level qualifications, enabling her to focus on building her skills without the upfront financial burden.
Although Gervaise didn’t complete Year 12, undertaking a TAFE Queensland qualification still opened doors to higher education.
“The diploma got me into university. I got a year credit taken off, which is really good,” she said.
She is now studying a Bachelor of Health Science (Dermal Aesthetics) Torrens University Australia.
TAFE Queensland’s industry-standard training played a key role in developing Gervaise’s confidence and technical skillset.
“Hands-on training is super important. It’s really grown my confidence. It’s really good for your growth,” she explained.
From tanning and facials to advanced nail techniques, Gervaise credits her educators for simplifying complex skills and helping her succeed.
“They teach industry standard. They know so much. They’re amazing.”
Coming from a homeschooling background, she initially found the transition challenging.
“Starting TAFE was quite daunting. I was a bit quiet, a little bit shy.”
But over time, she found her confidence, thanks to a supportive learning environment:
“Through the 18 months I kind of grew out of my shell. By the end of it I was one of the loudest in the class!” she said.
Gervaise embraced opportunities to push her creativity, including creating detailed portrait nail art to honour her teachers.
“I wanted to go out with a bang… something fun… a good way to honour them and show my appreciation.”
She also took on new challenges like competing in a WorldSkills Australia regional competition encouraged by her teachers.
“I was really honoured. It’s just another thing I can say that I’ve done,” she said.
Gervaise is already working in her family’s clinic while continuing her studies, with ambitions to combine her skills with travel.
“I think I want to work on cruises. That would be really fun.”
Her long-term goals remain open, with possibilities including dermal therapies or further specialisation in the beauty and health industries.
For anyone considering a career in beauty, especially those feeling unsure or nervous, Gervaise offers simple but powerful advice.
“Just go for it! It is nerve-wracking at first, but once you start, it’s so good,” she encouraged.