Graduate Story - Maria Cuatro Nochez
Our 2023 Valedictorian, Maria Cuatro Nochez, shares all on her one year journey to a fulfilling career, now a Spa Host and Therapist.
Maria wanted to prove the stigma around beauty therapy wrong! Maria’s drive secured her employment before graduating from The French in 2023.
Today, Maria is working at Heavenly Spa by Westin, as a Spa Host and Therapist, where she continues to grow both personally and professionally. Read on to be inspired by a young woman who didn’t let societal stereotypes come in the way of her dreams.
OUR FLAGSHIP BEAUTY THERAPY DIPLOMA
What motivated you to pursue a career in beauty therapy?
My main motivation was my mother who also became a beauty therapist, seeing how much effort she put into her studies and how much joy it brought her by being able to help people feel comfortable and relaxed in their own skin inspired me. Another motivator to pursue this career was wanting change, a change that allowed me to give back to people by helping them. Proving to others that this is in fact an amazing industry to get into and that beauty can take you to so many different places.
What was your main motivation for studying at the French?
The seed of doubt when it comes to studying beauty is common, with thoughts such as, ‘will this take me far?’, ‘Is this worth it?’, whether these thoughts come from people around you or yourself. It is worth it, and it can take you so far.
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 was the hands-on approach that was delivered by the French, in professional salon-based environments.
From the very first day of orientation, I felt the support and guidance needed to complete this course, as well as the motivation I needed to prove that I could do this. From orientation to graduation, you have educators motivating you all the way.
How did the French help prepare you for life as a professional beauty therapist?
The French prepared me in the sense that it doesn’t matter if a client is paying $10-$15 for a treatment or paying $1,000; everyone is deserving of the best quality and care.
The French taught us how to hold ourselves to a high standard when it comes to client treatments and our self-presentation.
Did you have a favourite teacher / subject at the french? Why?
I would have to say Alex Owens for facials, specialised facials, and waxing. Alex helped me feel confident in my own abilities by allowing me the opportunity to perform treatments without any pressure, but instead with support and words of encouragement.
What is the best advice you received from your study at the French?
“You are in a learning environment; it is ok to make mistakes”. This was said many times by many educators, and it really helped my peers and I to get out of our comfort zones and try new things.
How easy was it for you to gain work after graduating? Tell me about your first career ‘break’?
With persistence and support from my educators and cohort, I was able to secure both placement and employment with the company I am currently with. Being a “Frenchie” helped immensely, employers in the industry are aware of the reputation of The French graduates.
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?
Making use of the service excellence units and being encouraged to implement this knowledge into our everyday lives (not just when with clients) has helped. I’ve become more empathetic and emotionally intelligent when interacting with new clients and team members due to my newfound confidence and ‘team player’ abilities.
How are The French graduates perceived out in the industry?
We are perceived as professional, hard workers.
Describe a day in the life of you at work…
My day begins by opening the spa and setting up a relaxing space for clients before they enter, I turn on everyone’s favourite spaceship steam room. I then greet my clients at reception and welcome them to their time of relaxation at the spa.
Why is it so exciting to work within the beauty industry right now?
The technological advancements and the high quality of education given at The French allow you to explore so many different fields of the industry, medical, science, as well as the holistic and management side. With this ever-growing industry there is always room to better oneself.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO STUDENTS WHO ARE WANTING TO STUDY A BEAUTY THERAPY DIPLOMA AT THE FRENCH BEAUTY ACADEMY?
Gather as much information as you can about The French and what it stands for as this will help you learn about yourself and where you want to go in life.
Always remember that the educators on campus are there to help you through anything! It is a year of invaluable learning and experience.
What are your goals for the next few years? Do you have an ultimate career ambition?
My ultimate goal is to own a business with my mum. We want to offer fantastic services to clients as well as offer opportunities to students looming for placement while they are studying.
I was very lucky to have been employed before graduating. It has been an amazing opportunity to grow my skillset as a therapist and I must thank The French for it.
Our Flagship Course: The Future of Beauty
Next generation training for Beauty Therapists & Entrepreneurs
“Proving to others that this is in fact an amazing industry to get into and that beauty can take you to so many different places”
- Maria Cuatro Nochez
My Signature Beauty Go tos...
Scent: L’eau D’issey by Issey Miyake
Lipstick: Mehr by MAC
Best Kept Secret: Invest in a good sunscreen!
The French Edit...
City: Brisbane city
Drink: Pink Gin and Lemonade and Classic Mango Green Tea with Mango Jelly
Song: BDE by Qveen Herby
WANT A CAREER LIKE MARIA'S?
ENQUIRE NOW FOR 2024
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