Graduate Story - Macey Dodwell
I want to use my knowledge and skill to help people feel beautiful and confident in their skin no matter what concerns they may have.
From a lifelong love of beauty to landing her dream role with one of the world’s most iconic brands – CHANEL, Macey Dodwell is the epitome of where passion, purpose, and professional training can take you. A proud 2024 graduate from our Brisbane campus, Macey completed her studies in Beauty Therapy and Salon Management (Future of Beauty Program) with a clear goal: to help others feel confident in their skin — just as she had learned to do herself.
What began as a fascination with makeup quickly evolved into a deep love for skin science and results-driven facial treatments. Today, Macey travels across Queensland as one of only two Client Experience and Skin Care Event Experts for Chanel, blending beauty, education, and luxury in a role uniquely her own.
Macey reflects on her French journey, the unforgettable friendships she made, and the advice that continues to guide her career.
OUR FLAGSHIP BEAUTY THERAPY DIPLOMA
What sparked your interest in pursuing a career in beauty therapy? Was there a specific moment or experience that inspired you?
I have always loved makeup and beauty since I was a little girl and have always found great passion in making myself and others feel beautiful and confident. I initially started the course with the intention of focusing on makeup but absolutely fell in love with the science behind skin and everything facials. Also, as someone who has struggled with acne for years I want to use my knowledge and skills to help people feel beautiful and confident in their own skin no matter what concerns they may have.
What was your main motivation to choose to study at The French Beauty Academy? What was it that drew you to study here?
I got my nails done one day by a past French student and she told me it was one of the best experiences of her life and raved about how incredible the educators were and how precious all the friendships she made were. I decided to enrol for the following year and I am SO grateful for her.
Do you remember your Orientation week? Can you share your experience or how you felt on those first few days/weeks.
I was terrified and couldn’t believe how I ended up there but everyone was so welcoming and I felt like I was exactly where I was meant to be within a matter of hours.
Reflecting on your time at The French, can you share a standout moment or memory?
One moment I will always cherish was my very last day of class in microdermabrasion with Nas. We all brought in food and had a big lunch together in our pyjamas and I realised what beautiful friendships I had made and how much I learnt over the year. It was a very bittersweet day as I was so sad to leave but so excited to see where the world would take me.
What do you miss most about The French?
Definitely the girls in my class and the educators but most of all the weekly massages and facials!
Did you have a favourite subject or Educator at The French? Why/What did you love most about it?
I loved specialised facials and microdermabrasion as I really found my passion for skin in performing results driven treatments, and the science behind skincare.
In what ways did The French help you develop personally and professionally?
I really found my confidence in both being comfortable in my own skin and in my abilities as a professional.
Was there an invaluable lesson or any advice you received from The French that has stuck with you and continues to inspire you?
I think being in the beauty industry it is our jobs to look after people both physically but also mentally, so one lesson I will never forget is to always look after yourself first and prioritise your mental & physical health. Give yourself the same love and attention that we pay to everyone else.
What’s your favourite thing about your job?
Learning everything about Chanel’s beauty and fragrance products as well as using my skills and knowledge to make people feel beautiful and confident in themselves.
Can you tell us about your role and what a working day looks like for you?
My role is officially called Client Experience and Skin Care Event Expert. My responsibilities include: all beauty retail, so skincare, makeup and fragrance, performing facial treatments and working for any of Chanels promotional events. My role requires me to travel to all of the boutiques and retail partners between the sunshine coast and gold coast as I am 1 of 2 people in my position in QLD. Each working week I stay at one location and see 3-4 per day over 4 days, as well as working on the floor of the beauty boutiques.
With innovations and trends constantly evolving, what aspect of working in the beauty industry excites you the most right now?
Because I’m not in a typical beauty therapist position I am so excited to see how I can progress within Chanel as a company, and also watching their products and research evolve because it is unlike anything else I have ever worked with before.
What’s some words of wisdom or advice you could give to anyone who is on the fence about studying at The French?
You have no idea what opportunities are waiting for you on the other side of graduation and even if you decide that the beauty industry isn’t for you, you will still learn so many important lessons and skills that you can take into any job or part of life.
Looking ahead, what personal or professional goals are you aiming to achieve in the next few years? Is there a dream role or achievement you're working towards?
I have no specific goals but more so I am just so excited to see how far I can go within Chanel and hopefully use my position and experience to travel the world.
Our Flagship Course: The Future of Beauty
Next generation training for Beauty Therapists & Entrepreneurs
“ I was terrified and couldn’t believe how I ended up here, but everyone was so welcoming and I felt like I was exactly where I was meant to be within a matter of hours... ”
- Macey Dodwell
My Signature Beauty Go tos...
Scent: Chanel Chance Eau Splendid & Who Is Elijah Nightcap
Lipstick: Chanel Rouge Coco Flash in shade Live
Podcast/Blog: The Cancelled Podcast
Best Kept Beauty Secret: Wear everything with confidence and a good plumping lipgloss
The French Edit...
City: London or Paris
Beauty Muse: Lily-Rose Depp
Drink: Coconut water matcha or spicy margarita
Song: Intimidated by Kaytranada & Her
Quote: “The purpose of life is to live it however makes you happy”
WANT A CAREER LIKE MACEY'S?
FILL IN YOUR DETAILS BELOW & OUR TEAM WILL BE IN TOUCH TO DISCUSS YOUR CAREER GOALS
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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.
