With an original passion for Makeup, Amber set a goal to find something she would enjoy and make it her career. Whilst at a high school Careers Expo Amber saw The French Beauty Academy. After learning more about our Diploma in Beauty Therapy and Screen Media and all the different pathways it could take her, she knew it was the career choice for her!
Through dedication, hard work, passion and devoted work placement, Amber is now a Beauty Therapist at Azure Spa & Fitness located in one of the Gold Coasts most attractive hotels – The Star.
What motivated you to pursue a career in beauty therapy?
Originally I wanted to be a makeup artist but after a careers expo at high school, I saw The French Beauty Academy and saw all the different treatment options that we would learn. There were so many different pathways that you could go into and that really got my attention to try it.
What was your main motivation for studying at the French?
To find something that I would really enjoy and to pursue a career out of it.
What was your favourite part about studying at the French? How would you describe your experience from the day you started at orientation?
My favourite part of studying at The French was the friends I made, the experiences I had and the opportunities that I was lucky enough be involved in such as the student ambassador program and going to Port Douglas for the graduate program. My experience at The French Beauty Academy was amazing. I wouldn’t be working where I am today without The French. I gained so many skills and built up my confidence to perform treatment on clients.
How did the French help prepare you for life as a professional beauty therapist?
The French helped to prepare me for life as a beauty therapist by learning the fundamental skills that are required in this industry.
Did you have a favourite teacher / subject at the french? Why?
My favourite teacher was definitely Alana. I developed a love for skin and facials and I enjoyed Alana’s classes as she herself was very passionate about this subject and I was able to learn a lot from her.
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU RECEIVED FROM YOUR STUDY AT THE FRENCH?
The best advice I received from my study was to just be myself and work hard to where I wanted to get to in the industry.
The Business Of Beauty & Makeup
What were some of the invaluable lessons or most important thing that you learnt at the French that you have been able to apply to your new career?
The most important lesson I learnt during my studies was definitely to be confident at what you do, to do your best. I strive to do this everyday at work to improve myself as a beauty therapist as well as trying to be the best therapist I can be.
How easy was it for you to gain work after graduating? Tell me about your first career ‘break’?
It was easy to find a job especially from doing all those hours in student salon. Also doing work experience enabled me to get my first job in this industry. Another opportunity that made it easy to get a job was the 2 month graduate program to Port Douglas at Niramaya day spa. That gave me an insight into what working at a spa life would be like. I learnt new skills that gave me a foot in the door to get a job in a day spa.
WHAT ELEMENTS OF YOUR STUDY ALLOWED YOU TO OBTAIN YOUR NEW JOB? WERE THERE ANY SPECIFIC SKILLS THAT YOU LEARNED FROM YOUR TIME AT THE FRENCH THAT YOU THEN HIGHLIGHTED IN ORDER TO BE HIRED?
The main elements of study that allowed me to get a job would pretty much be everything, as the massage and facial components are important for the job I currently have now and waxing, tinting etc. Which were skills required for my first job.
WHAT DO YOU MOST ENJOY ABOUT YOUR NEW JOB? HAS THERE BEEN A MEMORABLE MOMENT SINCE YOU GRADUATED?
At my job I have currently at Azure Spa, I really enjoy working with the different products we have. Its been good to learn new product brands. I also really love performing treatments on clients, which has really improved my skills. The most memorable moment I’ve had since graduating would have been the opportunity to work in Port Douglas for the graduate program. It was definitely the most amazing experience.
HOW ARE THE FRENCH GRADUATES PERCEIVED OUT IN THE INDUSTRY?
There are definitely people that know of The French Beauty Academy and speak highly of it. I’ve worked with girls who pursued there beauty therapy studies at The French Beauty Academy.
DESCRIBE A DAY IN THE LIFE OF…
My day is never the same each day is something different, whether its performing massages all day, or performing a mix of facials and massage. I collect my uniform from the uniform room and head into the spa ready for my day. I would set up my room for the day sometimes I might be using different rooms, so I would make sure all my products, and equipment needed are ready to go.
Why is it so exciting to work in the beauty industry right now?
It is exciting working within the beauty industry right now because there are always new product brands or treatments that are introduced into the industry and is always great to learn new things.
What advice would you give to students who are wanting to pursue a career in beauty therapy?
If it’s something you are very interested in then definitely pursue the studies to get your dream job and to take up any opportunities that are on offer.
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE NEXT FEW YEARS? DO YOU HAVE AN ULTIMATE CAREER AMBITION?
My goals for the next few years is to definitely stay at Azure Spa to further improve my skills and my confidence. I absolutely love working at Azure spa and am lucky to be working along side some amazing girls. At the moment I don’t have an ultimate career ambition I am happy where I am at the moment.
“The most important lesson I learnt during my studies was definitely to be confident at what you do, to do your best” – Amber
Allie has always been driven to making each and every single person feel beautiful – both inside and out. With a Diploma of Specialised Makeup already under her belt and working as a makeup artist, Allie was continually being asked questions from clients about problem skin. Not being satisfied by just ‘covering’ the problem with makeup, Allie made the decision to further her education and acquire the necessary skills to educate her clients and help them with their skin. This is where Allie’s fell in love with the beauty industry as a whole and where journey with the French began.
During her Diploma of Beauty Therapy, Allie’s passion was further ignited when she was introduced to facial and body electrics – a skill she attributes to helping secure her dream job. Whilst she was completing her studies, The French was able to help Allie secure a job onboard Steiner Cruise ships. What Allie loves most about her job, on top of the incredible global travel opportunities, is educating guests on their overall wellbeing, educating them about living a healthy lifestyle and how detoxing their bodies can improve their health.
What motivated you to pursue a career in beauty therapy?
I first completed my Diploma of Specialised Makeup Services, but found that even though I absolutely loved making women feel beautiful with makeup, I wanted to go one step further and help them with their skin. I always had clients ask me questions about their acne and what they could do to cover it. At that stage, I could really only tell them how to cover the problem and decided I needed to learn about skin health and how to actually treat it. I decided to begin my studies at The French and through my studies I learnt so much that made me fall in love with the industry as a whole. Making people feel beautiful within their own skin is the best feeling.
What was your main motivation for studying at the French?
I’m very big on appearance. I always chose my schools based on the uniform, even the places I’d apply to work at. I remember just having moved to the Gold Coast and seeing the girls in their uniforms looking so professional. Eventually I got close enough to see their logo and where they were studying. I did my research and no other training facility interested me after finding out about The French. Their values, the academy itself and the girls always looked so happy when I saw them.
What was your favourite part about studying at the French? How would you describe your experience from the day you started at orientation?
To be honest my first day was daunting. I hate change, so I’d always try to avoid doing new things. I had just moved to the Gold Coast by myself so I figured it would be a good thing to meet new people with the same interests as me and maybe make some friends along the way. And I definitely did! I met my best friend at The French, Charley Davidson. It’s like we just clicked and from that day we were inseparable. My entire year studying at The French was easily the best year of my entire life! I learnt so much from all the amazing Educators there, they motivated me to push myself and they saw more potential in me than I saw in myself. I think that’s what is so amazing, the Educators make sure every single student feels special and gives them all the help they need. One of the educators, Alana would stay back late at night for us just so we could gain additional knowledge for our exams. I’d always look forward to coming to college every single day because of the Educators.
How did the French help prepare you for life as a professional beauty therapist?
The quality of education is beyond perfect. Not only the entire curriculum of the beauty therapy course, but I also really enjoyed doing the Service Excellence program. The French Beauty Academy has such a positive reputation and that’s because of the quality of learning and programs that they teach their students. The French’s approach enabled me to easily fit into life on board with Steiner. Steiner is extremely strict on appearance, from The Steiner bun to the red lipstick – professional looking appearance always. I remember going to the London training academy and hearing the girls complain about how silly they thought some the rules were, but I was already accustomed to the industry standards taught to me by The French! I actually liked wearing my bun, my lipstick and making myself look nice! When you look nice you feel nice and you do a better job, that goes for anything not just beauty therapy.
Did you have a favourite teacher / subject at the french? Why?
My favourite subject would definitely be Facials (and the teacher- Alana!) She’s absolutely incredible and inspired me every single day! The amount of knowledge she has and the passion for the work she does is amazing. She saw a lot of potential in me and even when I would try and give up she’d pick me up, dry my tears and tell me “Allie, you can do it! I believe you can! I know you can” and that was enough to make me push harder each time. She made me fall in love with the skin and how you can improve it down to each individual cell. I loved Wednesday’s with Alana!
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU RECEIVED FROM YOUR STUDY AT THE FRENCH?
Dreams don’t work unless you do. In the time that I was with The French it was to study as much as I could and be the best I can be.
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What were some of the invaluable lessons or most important thing that you learnt at the French that you have been able to apply to your new career?
The whole experience of training at The French has re-shaped me as a person. I have grown and made some of the best ‘real’ friends I’ve ever had. The whole year had such a positive impact on my life led to me getting my dream job.
How easy was it for you to gain work after graduating? Tell me about your first career ‘break’?
I actually had a job to go to before I even graduated! Steiner helped me obtain my dream job working on a cruise ship in a 6-star spa.
WHAT ELEMENTS OF YOUR STUDY ALLOWED YOU TO OBTAIN YOUR NEW JOB? WERE THERE ANY SPECIFIC SKILLS THAT YOU LEARNED FROM YOUR TIME AT THE FRENCH THAT YOU THEN HIGHLIGHTED IN ORDER TO BE HIRED?
In my time at The French I was able to gain an in-depth knowledge of body electrics and facial electrics – this meant I was able to be certified in the Ionithermie Super Detox Treatment and the Elemis Biotec Machine.
HOW ARE THE FRENCH GRADUATES PERCEIVED OUT IN THE INDUSTRY?
The French graduates are perceived as quality graduates. When I was in London Steiner Training Academy on the first day when I introduced myself along the teacher knew exactly who The French Beauty Academy was and the quality of therapists that graduate from there.
WHAT DO YOU MOST ENJOY ABOUT YOUR NEW JOB? HAS THERE BEEN A MEMORABLE MOMENT SINCE YOU GRADUATED?
I love the travel! The job itself is hard but I love that I can educate my guests on living a healthy life and how to detox their bodies (which will not only help them with cellulite and weight loss but also for the overall health and well-being of the body!) I’ve also met one of my best friends who was on the ship when I arrived and we spent every minute of every day together until she finished her contract a month ago! I think that’s the hardest part about working on a ship is that you meet some of the most amazing friends and when they leave it’s the saddest thing because you don’t know if or when you’ll see them again!
"The whole experience of training at The French has re-shaped me as a person. It had such a positive impact on my life and led me to my dream job" - Allie Copeland
Describe a day in the life of you on a working day?
6:30am: Wake up & get ready for work
7:30am: Get to work for a daily morning meeting with the spa team and manager.
8:00am: The first guests arrive and this is when the day starts. We usually have 8-10 guests a day with a meal break in the middle.
9:30pm: Finish work and we will either go to the crew lounge to hang out or straight to bed to do the same thing the very next day!
Why is it so exciting to work in the beauty industry right now?
For me personally I’m in a different country every day. Working on the ship is the hardest, but the best job I’ve ever had. I’ve been all over Europe, New York, the Caribbean, Bahamas and Miami, Florida. I find it so exciting and rewarding that I am able to educate my guests how to detox their bodies with natural chemical free detoxes that will re-alkalize the liver and reduce the risk of heart diseases, diabetes and strokes (which 1/3 of America’s population will suffer from at some point!) There are so many different aspects of the beauty industry and if you decide you don’t enjoy doing the massage module, you can do something else completely different but still be in the same field!
What advice would you give to students who are wanting to pursue a career in beauty therapy?
There’s a lot of misconception that girls in the beauty industry aren’t smart or they do beauty as a last resort, but I don’t believe that to be true! My advice would be not to let people criticise you because you’re in this field. I’ve met some of the most successful women from being in this industry. Some of them earn more money than someone who has spent many years in university! It’s not what the beauty industry makes of you, it’s what you make of it. My advice for current beauty students it to self study – a lot, watch YouTube, read books! Find a subject you love and find out every single thing about it. Knowledge is power the more you know the more your clients will trust you.
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE NEXT FEW YEARS? DO YOU HAVE AN ULTIMATE CAREER AMBITION?
Yes, I want to be an Educator at The French. Whether it’s for beauty therapy or for makeup would absolutely love to have the impact on future therapists that my educators had on me. I love to inspire people and help them follow their dreams. I currently do that in my job where I help my guests find out about their bodies, how to detox and how they can lose weight that they’ve never been able to! We have guests from all over the world and I’ve met some incredible people who have even given me their contact details and invited me to come to visit them in their countries. I’m all about making other people happy and feel accomplished and if I can do that to just one person in a day then I am happy. The French was such a happy place for me so becoming apart of the French Family again would be an honour.
MY SIGNATURE BEAUTY GO TOS…
Scent: Si by Giorgio Armani, Alien by Thierry Mugler & Black Opium by YSL
Lipstick: MAC – Honey Love with Spice lipliner
THE FRENCH EDIT…
City: Gold Coast
Drink: Espresso Martini
Song: Daryl Braithwaite – Horses
Quote: Dreams don’t work unless you do
After graduating from highschool, Alana arrived at The French with a passion for all things beauty and had a sound interest in makeup, skincare and nail health. Whilst studying the Diploma of Beauty Therapy full-time, Alana further explored her passion for nail-care services including manicures and pedicures. She made her mission to hone her skills to become a unique, detail-oriented therapist who paid special attention to making her clients feel the best versions of themselves.
On completion of her studies, The French helped Alana secure an Internship with esteemed Sydney-based salon, Jocelyn Petroni. After seeing her passion, hard work and determination, salon owner Jocelyn offered Alana a position as a Senior Therapist and has since relocated to Sydney to live and work full time in what Alana says is the ‘best job in the industry’. Not only does Alana love going to work each day, her favouritepart of the job is working with an incredible, supportive team and being able to connect with clients on a deeper level ensuring they receive the highest level of service and care.
What motivated you to pursue a career in beauty therapy?
I have always loved all things beauty. I loved makeup, skin care and nail health so I always found myself drawn to opportunities where I got to use my self taught skills on others. I could tell working a 9 to 5 job just wasn’t going to work for me in the long run. I love people and feel very blessed that I get to connect with my clients on a deeper level every day.
What was your main motivation for studying at the French?
I knew very well that The French would give me the best jump-start in my career and open doors for me that I could have never imagined. I knew from their presentation and reputation that they graduated the best therapists in industry.
What was your favourite part about studying at the French? How would you describe your experience from the day you started at orientation?
Studying at The French was such a wonderful chapter of my life and I never had a negative experience or a bad day at The French Beauty Academy! My favourite part was hands down the Service Excellence program. I credit the program for truly helping me become the therapist I am today! Wow, I feel very passionate about Service Excellence and wish more places would offer the program. It was just so very beneficial for me. I felt so looked after and supported at The French.
How did the French help prepare you for life as a professional beauty therapist?
Studying the Diploma full-time helped me as a beauty therapist to find my passion as it gave me a taste of what skin treatments and turning your brain into a skin science machine could be like. For me it was the start of a long and passionate career. Hands down the amount of theory we study at The French really helped me because never before had I found myself questioning found myself questioning what ingredients stimulate our Fibroblast cell or how the effects of free radicals take a serious toll on our skin.
Did you have a favourite teacher / subject at the french? Why?
I loved all the teachers at the French. I always felt like they cared about my development as a Therapist and really shared all their knowledge with me. The subject I enjoyed the most was probably manis and pedis! Although it is somewhat a simple treatment, the tiniest details can make your manicure or pedicure the best the client has ever had.
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU RECEIVED FROM YOUR STUDY AT THE FRENCH?
The best advice I received at The French was to practice gratitude and love not only as a beauty therapist, but in everyday life.
The Business Of Beauty & Makeup
What were some of the invaluable lessons or most important thing that you learnt at the French that you have been able to apply to your new career?
The Service Excellence program really made a difference to the Therapist I am today. It taught me things above and beyond the realm of beauty therapy. In my current job I feel I really get to put my Service Excellence education into practice everyday. This is a bit cliché, but really The French helps you to LOVE yourself and learn that when there is positive energy inside you it will unknowingly radiate to others and you’ll find strangers drawn to you.
How easy was it for you to gain work after graduating? Tell me about your first career ‘break’?
For me I was given the opportunity to take part in an Internship Program at ‘Jocelyn Petroni’. Shortly after I was employed by Jocelyn and I am truly working in the best job in the industry. I am grateful for the opportunity that The French Beauty Academy has given me.
WHAT ELEMENTS OF YOUR STUDY ALLOWED YOU TO OBTAIN YOUR NEW JOB? WERE THERE ANY SPECIFIC SKILLS THAT YOU LEARNED FROM YOUR TIME AT THE FRENCH THAT YOU THEN HIGHLIGHTED IN ORDER TO BE HIRED?
Beauty Therapy is so much more than being good at waxing or the best at nails. It’s how you make your clients feel, how your energy radiates around the salon and why your client re-books with you. The French taught me not only the practical beauty skills, but also life skills to better myself and really become an overall more nurturing therapist. hat kind of education is priceless! I believe that Jocelyn knew I had the potential to be apart of her amazing team, but she saw those key personal attributes I already had. These skill taught from The French really helped my gain the position I have today.
HOW ARE THE FRENCH GRADUATES PERCEIVED OUT IN THE INDUSTRY?
Everyone knows that The French beauty Academy creates a unique therapist unlike others. We are definitely held in a different light as highly educated and intuitive therapists.
WHAT DO YOU MOST ENJOY ABOUT YOUR NEW JOB? HAS THERE BEEN A MEMORABLE MOMENT SINCE YOU GRADUATED?
I LOVE my job, I know not many people can say that and truly mean it, but I really do. I really uprooted my life for this opportunity to work at Jocelyn Petroni and I am yet to regret it. It’s the people I get to work with and the overall feel of the salon that makes it different from the rest. An experience at Jocelyn Petroni is more than just providing a service to your clients. It is the genuine love we give to every single person who walks through the salon doors – hat is why I love coming to work! Every day is memorable working with not only a fabulous team, but also individuals I can honestly call my friends. It makes it never feel like work.
DESCRIBE A DAY IN THE LIFE OF…
A day in the my life is very busy. Sydney is unlike anything I have dealt with before but I have found myself fitting in and adapting to the lifestyle quite quickly. Everyday I work my hardest for myself and love bringing a little bit of fun, love and laughter back into someone day.
"I could tell working a 9 to 5 job just wasn’t going to work for me in the long run. I love people and feel very blessed that I get to connect with my clients on a deeper level every day" - Alana Smith
WHY IS IT SO EXCITING TO WORK WITHIN THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY RIGHT NOW?
So many new things are happening in the industry! It is truly booming. Now is the time to get involved!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO STUDENTS WHO ARE WANTING TO PURSUE A CAREER IN BEAUTY THERAPY?
Go for it! There really is so much diversity in beauty therapy. You will find the area that suits you best, you will never know until you try.
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE NEXT FEW YEARS? DO YOU HAVE AN ULTIMATE CAREER AMBITION?
To be completely honest I don’t at the moment. I work hard everyday and I truly love my job. For a young beauty therapist I have started my career off in the best way possible and im very happy with where I am at. I am excited to embark on this journey and see where it takes me.
MY SIGNATURE BEAUTY GO TOS…
Scent: Chanel
Lipstick: Chanel Rouge
Book: My beauty text book to be honest haha
Blog: Gritty Pretty
Best Kept Secret: If your mascara goes clumpy put eye drops in it!
THE FRENCH EDIT...
City: Sydney
Beauty Muse: Jocelyn Petroni
Drink: Mojito!! or for something more PG I love freshly squeezed orange juice!
Song: The Googoo Dolls – Slide Quote: Love what you do and you will never work a day in your life
After graduating from a Diploma in Beauty Therapy in 2017, Alana got her first industry break landing a job as a Skin Therapist at Pure Indulgence right after graduation. Here Alana developed her skills and experience with skin and treatments that then lead her to land her dream job at Skin Forum as a Dermal Technician.
Alana’s love for beauty and wanting to help others came from a very young age and which lead her to study at The French. Alana says “I was blown away by the support! All of the teachers were beautiful and I met some amazing people. I loved how the French implemented the importance of self love and gratitude. The experience taught me a lot about who I am.”
What motivated you to pursue a career in beauty therapy?
I had an interest for beauty from a young age and always wanted a career where I could nurture others and help people achieve the best results to feel their best. So my passions lead me to Beauty therapy!
What was your main motivation for studying at the French?
The French always stood out in my eyes plus I had heard many good things. Word of mouth is always a good indication of a reputable company.
What was your favourite part about studying at the French? How would you describe your experience from the day you started at orientation?
I was blown away by the support! All of the teachers were beautiful and I met some amazing people. I loved how the French implemented the importance of self love and gratitude. The experience taught me a lot about who I am.
How did the French help prepare you for life as a professional beauty therapist?
My teachers gave me the skills and mind set to become a good therapist. Always setting high expectations, self presentation and professionalism were always important.
Did you have a favourite teacher / subject at the french? Why?
My favourite subject would have to be Advanced Facials, With Alana! That’s where I really found my passion.
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU RECEIVED FROM YOUR STUDY AT THE FRENCH?
To be comfortable in your own skin.
The Business Of Beauty & Makeup
WHAT WERE SOME OF THE INVALUABLE LESSONS OR MOST IMPORTANT THING THAT YOU LEARNT AT THE FRENCH THAT YOU HAVE BEEN ABLE TO APPLY TO YOUR NEW CAREER?
Professionalism, self-attire and self confidence.
HOW EASY WAS IT FOR YOU TO GAIN WORK AFTER GRADUATING? TELL ME ABOUT YOUR FIRST CAREER ‘BREAK’?
I was extremely lucky! Originally I was offered work from the clinic I was doing work experience for. But my first break would have to be when I got offered a position at Pure Indulgence not long after graduation. They helped build my career! I was very grateful.
WHAT ELEMENTS OF YOUR STUDY ALLOWED YOU TO OBTAIN YOUR NEW JOB? WERE THERE ANY SPECIFIC SKILLS THAT YOU LEARNED FROM YOUR TIME AT THE FRENCH THAT YOU THEN HIGHLIGHTED IN ORDER TO BE HIRED?
I had a lot of support when it was time to apply for jobs. One of our subjects was purely designed to help prepare us for the real world.
HOW ARE THE FRENCH GRADUATES PERCEIVED OUT IN THE INDUSTRY?
The French holds an extremely good reputation. I believe it comes down to the individual. If you love what you do and you’re willing to work hard you can get work anywhere you want.
WHAT DO YOU MOST ENJOY ABOUT YOUR NEW JOB? HAS THERE BEEN A MEMORABLE MOMENT SINCE YOU GRADUATED?
I enjoy everything about Skin Forum! I love the environment I work in, my team and variety of treatments we do. I set a lot of goals whilst studying and it’s nice looking back at what I’ve achieved.
WHY IS IT SO EXCITING TO WORK WITHIN THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY RIGHT NOW?
There are so many career paths you can go down, the opportunities are endless!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO STUDENTS WHO ARE WANTING TO PURSUE A CAREER IN BEAUTY THERAPY?
Back yourself, believe in yourself and get started! Once you start you’ll know you’re on the right path.
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE NEXT FEW YEARS? DO YOU HAVE AN ULTIMATE CAREER AMBITION?
I am quite happy to settle in at Skin Forum for now. There is still so much to learn and grow within my new space.
MY SIGNATURE BEAUTY GO TOS…
Scent: Miss Dior Absolutely blooming
Lipstick: MAC Velvet Teddy
Book: You can heal your life- Louise L Hay
Blog: Not much of a blogger! Like a good Podcast.
Best Kept Secret: I always take Chinese herbs! They help me glow from the inside out.
THE FRENCH EDIT…
City: Sydney
Beauty Muse: Jocelyn Petroni
Drink: Mojito!! or for something more PG I love freshly squeezed orange juice!
Song: The Googoo Dolls – Slide
Quote: Love what you do and you will never work a day in your life
"I had an interest for beauty from a young age and always wanted a career where I could nurture others and help people achieve the best results to feel their best" - Alana Cooke
Jesse encountered passion for the intricacies of the skin at a young age – struggling with acne and uneducated on how to fix it. After using many harsh products and stripping his skin, Jesse made the decision to further his knowledge and acquire the skills necessary to treat not only acne, but a vast array of skin problems which causes people to feel uncomfortable in their skin.
Jesse began his Diploma of Beauty Therapy with The French Beauty Academy in 2019, where he instantly fell in love with treating clients, meeting new people and educating those on their skincare needs. Jesse’s profound passion caught the eye of many fellow educators and therapists, including that of The French Medi-Spa, where he was able to secure a job as a Dermal Therapist once graduating. Jesse’s favourite thing about his job is setting clients on their journey to achieving their skin care goals.
What motivated you to pursue a career in beauty therapy?
I have always had such a love for skin care products and keeping a strict routine on my skin. I had really bad acne in high school and never had education on what would be best to cure it. I used some pretty harsh products on my skin that stripped it back. But now since studying beauty and skin care i have been given so much knowledge around the correct ingredients and treatments to perform on clients with all different skin types. I also wanted to do something different and beauty has always been an interesting path that I never thought I would pursue, I am so glad I did because I have finally found my calling and i am in my happy place every day.
What was your main motivation for studying at the French?
I would have to say to my friends, I was so unsure if I should sign up or not because being a boy can be quite overwhelming for some girls/ladies, so that really made me take a while to make a decision. I just took a chance and did it and the amount of friends I made from studying at the French with fellow classmates and educators is amazing. I always felt so welcomed and appreciated each day going to beauty school, it was always heaps of fun and the knowledge you learn is incredible.
What was your favourite part about studying at the French? How would you describe your experience from the day you started at orientation?
My first day of orientation at the French was a little scary as my anxiety levels were extremely high, still concerned whether I would be accepted or taken seriously for being a boy. As soon as I arrived and met with my fellow cohort it was really welcoming and the bonding exercises were truly an experience. My educators Paige and Melissa really made my first day so amazing that I just could not wait to return the next day.
My favourite part about studying at the French was facials and Advanced Facials, i love the skin and using all kinds of skin care machinery and peels. The best part of all is the amount of treatments you get to have whilst training.
How did the French help prepare you for life as a professional beauty therapist?
The French gave me the skills and knowledge to just be confident and be yourself. I never knew how confident I could be and the support and love from all the educators and management at the french cannot be found anywhere else. I often wish it could have gone for longer so i could never leave. Little did i know i was given an opportunity to stay, with being approached to work at The French beauty Medi-Spa i was jaw dropped that i could have been offered such a position. My smile would not leave and i knew right there that i had picked the right career path and to this day i love every day treating clients and being in my beauty room.
Did you have a favourite teacher / subject at the french? Why?
I had lots of favourite teachers and built strong relationships with so many of them. My favourite subject was Facials and Advanced Facials with Angela McDonald. As soon as I met Angela I just loved the way she taught and her knowledge on skin had me even more excited to learn from her. She taught me everything about skin and would always have faith in me to do so good. We would often sit around after class and talk about treatments and products because we just loved them so much. Her and the other educators are such approachable and lovely souls that you become their best friends.
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU RECEIVED FROM YOUR STUDY AT THE FRENCH?
“Whenever in doubt just effleurage” – sometimes you would be so nervous to do treatments because you want to do them so good, so if there was to come a time you are learning the massage technique just remember “whenever in doubt just effleurage”
WHAT WERE SOME OF THE INVALUABLE LESSONS OR MOST IMPORTANT THING THAT YOU LEARNT AT THE FRENCH THAT YOU HAVE BEEN ABLE TO APPLY TO YOUR NEW CAREER?
The most important lesson I have taken is teamwork and self-confidence. Your fears will very quickly go when you get in and just do it, help your work mates out with changing over their rooms and cleaning. It keeps the environment happy and healthy and the clients love a happy workplace where you are always smiling 🙂
The Business Of Beauty & Makeup
How easy was it for you to gain work after graduating? Tell me about your first career ‘break’?
I was extremely fortunate and lucky enough to be approached from the French Medi Spa for a position when i graduated. That day was the best day EVER!! I thought it would have taken me ages to find a job because some employers may have been a bit unsure with me being a male but that very quickly left my mind when I was offered this position.
What elements of your study allowed you to obtain your new job? Were there any specific skills that you learned from your time at the French that you then highlighted in order to be hired?
The elements of Skin care knowledge and customer service grabbed the eye of the Medi spa manager whilst i was doing my student salon days.
HOW ARE THE FRENCH GRADUATES PERCEIVED OUT IN THE INDUSTRY?
Being a Frenchy opens up so many amazing doors with your diploma, especially Service of excellence, many employers know how amazing the curriculum is in the French and if you study here you basically cut the line to the front. Best advice I could give is take The service excellence program seriously, it helps so much and makes your study a dream and puts so much light, energy and positivity in your eyes.
WHAT DO YOU MOST ENJOY ABOUT YOUR NEW JOB? HAS THERE BEEN A MEMORABLE MOMENT SINCE YOU GRADUATED?
I love EVERYTHING about my new job as a Dermal therapist at The French Medi spa, the training and knowledge never stops, you keep learning everyday and better yet meet some really incredible people. My most memorable moment occurs quite often with clients being so grateful I have helped them achieve their skin goals and making them feel so comfortable in their own skin. I love making connections with my clients and walking this journey with them.
DESCRIBE A DAY IN THE LIFE OF YOU ON A WORKING DAY?
Every day is different, I love a challenge and it’s exciting when a client comes in with a condition or concerns that you have never heard or seen (this is where training comes in) I get to learn and treat at the same time, researching and recommending shows you as a therapist very committed and dedicated. Making notes to look further later on after the client is gone to prescribe and refer. It’s super important to always be organised and prepared for your entire day, this will make turning around times a breeze.
"The best advice I could give is to take the Service Excellence Program seriously, it helps so much. It makes your study a dream and puts so much light, energy and positivity in your eyes" - Jesse Shayne
Why is it so exciting to work in the beauty industry right now?
Why wouldn’t you want to?? Each day is as exciting as the day before. The team, managers and clients just make it REAL. There are so many amazing treatments out there in the beauty world that are proving exciting and incredible results. It’s great to see even men joining the trend of taking care of themselves.
What advice would you give to students who are wanting to pursue a career in beauty therapy?
DO IT!! As scared and worried you may be please don’t be. I was there and yes it crossed my mind that being a male I would never be able to. I proved myself and everyone else wrong and Graduated a dual diploma and awarded a Mastery in service excellence, Principles list award plus the bestest friends along the way. I say give it a go because you have nothing to lose. The world is your oyster so just do it.
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE NEXT FEW YEARS? DO YOU HAVE AN ULTIMATE CAREER AMBITION?
My goals over the next years would be doing my laser course and slowly creating my own skin care brand. Training and knowledge is super important and I am in the best hands to achieve these goals. If you put your mind to it you can do it.
MY SIGNATURE BEAUTY GO TOS…
Scent: Sandalwood
Book: Harry Potter (with a face mask on!)
Blog: Jeffrey Star
Best Kept Secret: Vitamin A is the key to staying Ageless, you should start using it in your teens.
THE FRENCH EDIT…
City: Paris
Beauty Muse: Lady Gaga
Drink: Moet
Song: Lady Gaga – Bad Romance
Quote: It’s not what we have in our lives but who we have in our lives that matter
Find the perfect course for you from our range of nationally accredited diploma, certificate and short courses.
Our friendly team of Student Advisors (many of whom are former Frenchies) are just an email, live chat, or phone call away.
Our luxurious, salon-inspired facilities are described as Harvard-meets-Chanel. Find an Australian campus near you!
In the spirit of reconciliation, The French Beauty Academy acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country on which our Campuses stand today. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners of the land, their Elders past, present and emerging, and to their connections to land, sea and community. Always was, always will be Aboriginal land.
Read The Uluru Statement here.
