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Lauren’s fascination with beauty, makeup and skincare started as a little girl. Her caring and empathetic heart influenced her to follow a career path where she could help people and make a positive impact in their life. It wasn’t until she met a Beauty Therapist where she learned that she could combine her love of beauty and care for others together into a passionate career. Lauren says “Once I spoke to more therapists and put two and two together, I realised how perfect a career as a beauty therapist would be for me, and how I could harness my passion for beauty alongside my caring nature to help pamper and improve other people’s confidence in a fun and rewarding job.”

Lauren, who was also a Brisbane Student Ambassador graduated with honours in 2021 receiving the prestigious ‘Service Excellence Mastery Award’ and ‘Principles List Of Excellence’. Lauren also says “My journey at The French has been amazing and so rewarding. One of my favourite parts about studying was making some incredible friendships with some of my classmates that I know I will have forever.”

What motivated you to pursue a career in beauty therapy?

I have always been super fascinated with beauty, makeup and skincare since I was little and had always wanted to become more involved within the beauty industry since I was little. As I got older I started to understand what a massive influence the beauty and wellness sector had within social media and self-care, and saw how many different roles and opportunities were possible within the beauty industry. I have always been a very caring and empathetic person and knew that I wanted to work in a role where I could help other people and make a positive impact in their life. Once I spoke to more therapists and put two and two together, I realised how perfect a career as a beauty therapist would be for me, and how I could harness my passion for beauty alongside my caring nature to help pamper and improve other people’s confidence in a fun and rewarding job.

What was your main motivation for studying at the French?

When looking for beauty schools, I knew that I wanted to go to the best school that I possibly could. I knew that if I was going to commit to my studies as a beauty therapist, I wanted to be at a school that was extremely professional, organised, connected within the industry, and would help prepare me to be the best possible beauty therapist I could be. I spent a long time researching, however, it was very clear to me that the place to be was The French Beauty Academy. I could clearly see the difference that The French had over other beauty schools, and I decided it was the only place worth completing my studies, so much so that I moved to Brisbane from the Sunshine Coast to complete my studies for the year.

What was your favourite part about studying at the French? How would you describe your experience from the day you started at orientation?

My journey at The French has been amazing and so rewarding. One of my favourite parts about studying was making some incredible friendships with some of my classmates that I know I will have forever. You become so close with your class and build so much trust and support with one another. I also loved having the opportunity to become a student ambassador and get involved in so many fun and exciting additional activities on campus like our 5K charity walk and decorating the campus at Christmas time. Orientation day was filled with nerves but also with excitement to start a new chapter and get started on campus. Everybody at orientation was so warm and welcoming and made you feel much more comfortable. The day was very organised and also helped us to get familiar with our surroundings and classmates. Looking back now feels crazy to think that I begun my journey over a year ago!

How did the French help prepare you for life as a professional beauty therapist?

The French really helped me to properly understand the reality of working as a beauty therapist and exposed us to a lot of activities that were very similar if not the same to what it is like out in the industry. Completing the industry placement days within the salon helped to get a good understanding of what working in your area of interest would be like, and completing the 10 student salon days really helped me to understand what it is like working with paying clients in a fast paced environment. I feel like the student salon has helped me to feel more confident in the salon to stay calm and professional at all times, and allowed me to prepare myself for quick turnaround times, client interaction, consultation, rebooking, and selling products. The French uniform also keeps you in the habit of maintaining immaculate presentation and grooming standards at all times to remain highly professional.

Did you have a favourite teacher / subject at the french? Why?

I loved all of my educators throughout my time at the French and have created some wonderful connections with them. I loved learning about all the different kinds of skin conditions and types, and the many ways that they could be treated. I quickly figured out that facials and skin was where my passion was, and I loved facials, where I was taught by Amy and Trudie whom I both adore! They are both so fun, caring, encouraging and knowledgeable about all things skin, and they made me feel like they had my back throughout my studies. Classes with them were always filled with laughs and made Wednesday’s by far my favourite day on campus. I also loved my aromatherapy classes with Kerry who put so much care and love into every class and always made me feel so supported.

I gained so much confidence not only in myself, but in my own skills and knowledge as a beauty therapist that I know has been a result of the nurturing and compassion shown to me  by all of my beautiful teachers.

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU RECEIVED FROM YOUR STUDY AT THE FRENCH?

The best advice I received was to get things done early, stay focused, and show up / stay committed. I was told that getting things done out of the way early on like my industry placement, homework units, and student salon days would help me to feel more organised and take the pressure off the end of my course so that I would stay on top of my studies. The other thing that really helped me this year, was remembering that whilst it is a hard year and sacrifices do have to be made in order to get the work done, that it is only one year! It is so worth the hard work and dedication, to see yourself graduate at the end of the year with your dual diploma. The feelings and emotions on graduation night are so amazing being there with your classmates, educators, and family, knowing that you did the hard work and achieved so much.

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?

One of the main lessons that I learnt at The French is that you are always ready, even when you think that you are not, and to trust in yourself and your strength. I gained so much confidence over my time at The French and I think that this has been helped by the service excellence course within the dual diploma units that helps you to focus on taking care of yourself and honing in on your own strengths and abilities which you can then harness out into your life and into your work as a beauty therapist. The units like dignity, communication, compassion, team work, and respect help you to understand important values necessary to be the best beauty therapist you can possibly be, not only for yourself but also for your clients.

HOW EASY WAS IT FOR YOU TO GAIN WORK AFTER GRADUATING? TELL ME ABOUT YOUR FIRST CAREER ‘BREAK’?

I was extremely lucky with where I gained work commencing my studies, and ended up scoring my absolute dream job at Chantal Louise Skin in Nundah. I actually completed my work experience / industry placement hours there earlier in the year. I absolutely loved my time there, seeing the amazing skin treatments and facials they performed, and felt so welcomed by the team. Towards the end of the course, before graduation, I got in contact with them again about a possible position, which turned into an interview/trade test, and then I got the job! I was so excited and grateful to get a position here and love everything about it! I think that it was really good being able to complete work experience at the salon prior to working there as I was able to see what it was like and was more comfortable in the salon once I started as I knew a little bit about how things were done there.

Introducing Our Flagship Course -
The Business Of Beauty & Makeup
The course that set Lauren Webster (and many other alumni just like her) up for success.

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?

Learning how to conduct a thorough skin analysis as well as create treatment plans for clients throughout the course was a huge factor that helped me succeed in my interview, and ultimately in gaining my ideal work in the industry. I was asked to create a small treatment plan in preparation for my interview, and I was able to put together a well thought out template for my client to recommend products and future treatments with confidence. I was also well equipped to answer questions after completing industry days at school and receiving guidance and tips on how to succeed within my interview. The school’s grooming and presentation standards are also another thing that I value highly and carried through with me to my interview to present myself professionally.

HOW ARE THE FRENCH GRADUATES PERCEIVED OUT IN THE INDUSTRY?

French graduates are seen as very professional and well presented out in the industry, and I think that many workplaces are aware of the high standards that the college has and the level of knowledge that the graduates have once they finish their course. I think that many salons and spas recognise The French for their reputation in producing top beauty therapists who are well prepared for the industry thanks to the additional elements like student salon included in the course.

WHAT DO YOU MOST ENJOY ABOUT YOUR NEW JOB? HAS THERE BEEN A MEMORABLE MOMENT SINCE YOU GRADUATED?

I have been loving working with all of my clients since beginning in my role after graduation. I really love my team and boss and feel so welcome and supported with the other girls, who have my back and want me to succeed. The management style and environment within my new job is so positive and uplifting which is really important to me and makes coming to work really great. I am really loving learning more about different kinds of skins and how to treat them using advanced technologies, products, and peels. I am undergoing so much incredible and thorough training that is giving me a much broader understanding of the skin and opening up the pathway to be able to treat the skin in such an elevated way that is so fascinating and exciting. A recent memorable and rewarding moment I had at work was helping a client treat her acne and focusing on calming her skin down more as it was affecting her confidence. After the facial there was such a visible difference in the appearance of her skin and her acne was even looking less inflamed and red. She was so grateful and happy that I was able to help her and I could see such a difference in her energy and mood compared to the beginning of the treatment.

DESCRIBE A DAY IN THE LIFE OF YOU ON A WORKING DAY?

A regular day at work for me would involve setting up and stocking up my treatment room for the day, followed by going over printed out notes for all of my clients I have for the day to prepare for their treatments. At my workplace, we focus and specialise in treating skin and performing facials, using some amazing products and modalities to help our clients achieve their personalised skin goals. On a day to day basis I would be performing a variety of facials and treating many different skin concerns such as acne, ageing, pigmentation, dehydration, scarring, and rosacea. I would also be using and performing LED, Ultrasonic, extractions, alginate masks, facial massage, and skin consultations and diagnosis. I am very fortunate to work in such a fun and positive work environment with an amazing team and thoroughly enjoy working closely with my lovely clients to help build up their confidence and improve their skin.

WHY IS IT SO EXCITING TO WORK IN THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY RIGHT NOW?

Working in the beauty industry right now is great, because clients are becoming so much more interested in their treatments and wanting to understand how to care for their skin, mind, or body and be educated. I love that clients are now also focused on healing and increasing their own self-care activities which can sometimes mean a trip to the salon which makes the treatment even more rewarding. I am finding that all the clients that I am able to treat and help are wanting to build a better understanding for themselves and really trust your advice as their therapist. I also love how many new products and technologies are available which keeps things interesting and always provides an opportunity to increase my knowledge and skills.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO IS WANTING TO PURSUE A CAREER IN BEAUTY THERAPY?

Trust in yourself and your own ability to succeed! It seems a bit overwhelming at the beginning of the course with such a big year ahead, however, if you trust in yourself and take each week as it comes you will be able to learn so much and you will surprise yourself in just how fast you pick things up and grow in confidence. My best advice would be to stay organised and stay ahead throughout the year! A diary or planner and a pen will be your best friend, and I found that making lists of assignments, due dates, and practical/theory assessment or tasks to complete each week really helped me to stay on top of my studies. It is also super helpful to look ahead at each terms subjects and assessments in the holidays. You get out what you put in, and it really is so worth it! I am still so excited after graduation and receiving my service excellence and principal’s list awards, my diplomas, and gaining employment in my dream job after completing my studies at The French.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE NEXT FEW YEARS? DO YOU HAVE AN ULTIMATE CAREER AMBITION?

I am really loving my role at the moment and want to continue my learning and growth specifically within skin and understand more with furthering training opportunities. I am interested in completing further studies into dermal science and laser, as well as holistic healing and nutrition. One day,  I would really love to teach beauty therapy and help other therapists along their journey studying!

MY SIGNATURE GO TOS…

Scent: Miss Dior Absolutely Blooming
Lipstick: MAC ‘Faux’ and ‘Peach Blossom’ 
Book: Skinside Out by Robyn McAlpine and The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
Blog: Gritty Pretty 
Best Kept Secret: Putting my rose quartz gua sha and roller in the fridge before using them for cooling and depuffing skin!

THE FRENCH EDIT…

City: Paris
Beauty Muse: Selena Gomez or Mikayla Nogueira
Drink: Berry tea 
Song: Anything by Rihanna (love it all)! 
Quote: “What is meant for you will always be”.

“I love how many new products and technologies are available - it provides an opportunity to increase my knowledge and skills.”
- Lauren Webster

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