Graduate Story - Melanie Cochrane
Nails was a hobby for me, but after 27 years in banking and finance I wanted to do something I was passionate about
Stepping boldly into a new chapter after nearly three decades in the banking and finance industry, Melanie Cochrane is a shining example of what it looks like to pursue your passion with courage and commitment. A 2024 Brisbane graduate of our Certificate III in Nail Technology, Melanie transformed a long-held hobby into a thriving career and now proudly runs her own nail business, Mel C Nails, in Capalaba. Her journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and lifelong learning—values that embody the spirit of The French Beauty Academy. Today, she continues to grow her brand, refine her craft, and inspire fellow Frenchies with her message that it’s never too late to chase a dream.
OUR FLAGSHIP BEAUTY THERAPY DIPLOMA
What sparked your interest in pursuing a career in nail technology? Was there a specific moment or experience that inspired you?
After 27 years in the banking and finance industry I needed a change and wanted to do something that I had a passion for. Nails was a hobby for me many years ago when I lived in a small country town that didn’t have nail salons, so I did some research and decided to give it a shot.
What motivated you to choose The French Beauty Academy for your studies? What stood out to you about studying here?
After much research on the internet I liked what The French had to offer and their face to face training. I called the Brisbane campus and had a conversation with Brandi who was so helpful. I booked in to do a campus tour the next week.
Do you remember your Orientation Week? How did you feel during those first few days/weeks?
I was so nervous because seeing the other participants being so young I questioned whether I had made the right decision. I left after that first night thinking I CAN do this and I never looked back…
What do you miss most about your time at The French?
The support, not just from the fantastic educators but my fellow class mates. Being in a salon on your own can be quite lonely at times, you only have your clients for company.
Did you have a favourite subject or Educator? What made it so memorable for you?
I loved both Amanda and Maranda, who are both so knowledgeable and supportive. I have even reached out a couple of times since finishing my course and they are still so happy to answer my questions.
How did The French help you grow personally? What did you learn about yourself throughout your course?
They gave me the confidence and belief in myself. I learnt that I need to trust myself and that and old dog can learn new tricks.
Was there an invaluable lesson or piece of advice you received at The French that still inspires you today?
That you’re never too old to learn and to never stop learning. Studying at the French was only the beginning of my journey.
How easy was it for you to find work after graduating? Tell us about your first career ‘break’ in the nail industry.
I opened my own business immediately after graduating, however it wasn’t easy to start from scratch. There were many learnings within the first 12 months, some good decisions made and some not, but here I am 2 years in business and still growing strong.
Can you describe your role now and what a typical workday looks like for you?
As a nail tech I usually have between 5-6 clients a day but then as a business owner I have daily admin on top. It just never stops, there is always something to do.
What’s your favourite thing about working as a nail professional?
My clients are the best, we have so much fun in our appointments. It is important to set your boundaries and make sure you stick to them from the get go, going outside your boundaries can cause you to burn out very quickly.
What words of wisdom would you share with someone who’s thinking about studying Nail Technology at The French?
Just do it, you won’t regret it. The knowledge and support is worth it.
Can you tell us a little about your business?
I am a private nail salon within a hair salon in Capalaba Qld. I specialise in Soft Builder Gel, Hard Builder Gel, and Polygel.
What inspired you to start your own business? Can you share your journey?
I was a manager in my previous field and knew that I wanted set my own rules and be my own boss. I can honestly say it isn’t easy being your own boss as there is just you to do everything. Especially when you are starting out, you can’t afford to offload some aspects of your business because of the cost. The cost is then you. It’s your time that you put into the business outside of business hours… I had to be everyone and know everything, from marketing to book keeping plus maintain the hours that clients needed me to be available. After 18 months I made some major business changes that suited me better for work life balance. I changed my working days and hours in the salon and made a full day an administration day. This helped me work on the business without feeling guilty for not being in the business but the trade off was longer hours in the salon over 4 days.
What’s a decision or mistake that taught you a valuable lesson in running your business?
My biggest mistake is not doing enough research into products before deciding to purchase a full range. I changed brands within the first 12 months of business which was costly.
What did you learn during your time at The French that helped prepare you for business ownership?
How to research my local market within my area and how to set my pricing so that I wasn’t under charging and was competitive for clients.
What are your plans for the future of your business? Do you have an ultimate business goal?
I would love to expand the business in the future to have a salon full of fully qualified nail technicians who provide a safe and professional service.
If you had just one piece of advice for Frenchies wanting to start their own nail business, what would it be?
Do your research on your area and surrounds and find your point of difference and then market that. Never stop practising, practise builds your confidence and therefore will build your clientele through word of mouth. Post on your socials at least 3 times a week, post every set of nails you do, they don’t have to be fancy art.
My Signature Beauty Go-To’s
Scent: Jean Paul Gautier
Nail Polish Colour: I love a good red nail
Book/Podcast: I love any book by JD Robb
Best Kept Beauty Secret: Sunscreen, wear it everyday even when it’s cloudy those UV rays are harmful everyday.
The French Edit
City: Las Vegas
Drink: Frozen Cocktails
Quote to Live By: You only die once so live everyday
Our Flagship Course: The Future of Beauty
Next generation training for Beauty Therapists & Entrepreneurs
“ I learnt that I need to trust myself and that and old dog CAN learn new tricks
... ”
- Melanie Cochrane
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