Graduate Story - Shayna Hulm
Our 2022 graduate, Shayna Hulm, also known as super women, juggles mum-life and her ever-growing business, Earthside Beauty.
Shayna was drained by her previous industry and sought a new career where she could make meaningful connections. Her current job allows her to balance work and family, which she treasures. She is passionate about the beauty industry she is now in and enjoys all aspects of it.
Her business offers a range of beauty treatments from makeup to massages. She strongly believes that one’s mental and physical health should work together in harmony. By prioritising mental health, Shayna’s treatments offer a unique and holistic experience. She gives credit to The French for helping her with decisions when it comes to her business and giving her the skills to be more hands on in the industry.
What motivated you to pursue a career in beauty therapy?
After having success in an industry that drained my connection, I wanted to immerse myself in an industry that could nurture meaningful connections.
What was your main motivation for studying at the French?
The first thing that comes to mind is “only the best”. I’ve always been a bit extravagant, and the gorgeous appeal and professional standard of The French just made it the clear choice.
What was your favourite part about studying at the French? How would you describe your experience from the day you started at orientation?
Being on campus, I really can’t stress it enough, be on campus on-time and soak in every part of the experience! Be present and make the most of every networking opportunity and learn from all the powerhouse women at The French. I enjoyed every day I was on campus and the support you have makes every task feel achieveable.
How did the French help prepare you for life as a professional beauty therapist?
The diversity: learning with a wide range of women and clients is a great way to prepare for all the people you will meet in industry.
Did you have a favourite teacher / subject at the french? Why?
Emma Hendren – She was always a fountain of knowledge whether it be in theory, practical work or handling people. She has a knack for it all.
What is the best advice you received from your study at the French?
Be present and show up every day looking professional. It gives you a sense of achievement before the day even begins. Win the morning, win the day.
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 confidence you gain. I believe the French provides a quality foundation for learning and self-discovery, so all students can leave feeling confident enough to action all their dreams.
How are the French graduates perceived out in the industry?
Frenchie’s are known as an asset in the industry.
The Future of Beauty
What do you most enjoy about your new job? Has there been a memorable moment since you graduated?
Being asked to be a part of The French Alumni has been the most memorable moment. Also enjoying all aspects of owning my own business, because it means I can operate within my own guidelines. I’ve always been a ‘beat of my own drum’ kind of girl.
Describe a day in the life of you on a working day?
All my days vary. I get to work my work schedule around my family, and I am super blessed to have been able to create my life this way. Sometimes I may be a little too flexible on myself but, while my kids are young, I am ok with that. Somedays I am in salon with lash students or in my office doing business management and somedays I’m doing a mixture of it all.
Why is it so exciting to work in the beauty industry right now?
Right now, in my opinion the beauty industry is exciting to work within. The beauty industry has been deemed ‘recession-proof’, unlike other industries that have fallen victim to the rise and fall of the economy. Not only are we always surrounded with new knowledge and technology, but our careers are always secure.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO STUDENTS WHO ARE WANTING TO STUDY A BEAUTY THERAPY DIPLOMA AT THE FRENCH BEAUTY ACADEMY?
DO IT NOW! Back yourself, take the plunge and show up every day with a gorgeous bun and yummy coffee.
What are your goals for the next few years? Do you have an ultimate career ambition?
I have many goals but the goals always at the forefront of my mind is providing a safe space to promote self-care and self-love for my clients and staff. My ultimate career ambition is to be tertiary trained as an adult educator.
MY SIGNATURE BEAUTY GO TOS…
Scent: Pure essential oils – Peppermint, Lavender, Sweet orange, Frankincense
Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury, Wedding Belles
Book: The Secret
Blog: Beauty, Business and Beyond
Best Kept Secret: Vitamin E Oil
THE FRENCH EDIT…
City: Brisbane
Beauty Muse: Charlotte Tilbury
Drink: Caramel Espresso Martini
Song: Shackles , Mary Mary
Quote: “Five qualities of inspirational women: First, they have Purpose. Second, they Believe in what they are doing. Third, they have Empathy. Fourth, they Encourage others, and fifth, they think big.”
“Students can leave feeling confident enough
to action all their dreams.”
- Shayna Hulm
Why did you decide to start your own business? Can you tell us a bit about your journey?
I owned my own salon before enrolling at The French. I had a desire to learn more and be more hands on in the industry.
What were the first few steps you took to set up the business?
I kind of jumped in headfirst and figured It out as I went – would not recommend LOL
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting your business, and how did you overcome them?
Separating business, trust, logic, and heart. The way I overcome everything is through self-reflection there is no way to work through any circumstance without processing and reflecting. Everything should always come back to self.
What is a decision or perhaps a mistake you've made that has led to a very valuable lesson in running or starting a business?
Working with friends. Unfortunately aligning personalities and success goals doesn’t often work in a professional environment. I overcame this by putting firm boundaries in place, communicating to the best of my ability and taking action from my goals, not my heart.
What did you learn during your time at The French that helped prepare you when starting your business or during the course of your business journey?
I took bits of knowledge from every single teacher / business owner I met at The French and truly implemented everything that resonated with me. I regularly made notes about things that resonated with me and then revisited it when making decisions.
What are your plans for the future of your business, and where do you see yourself in five years?
To keep nurturing my surroundings and employees and see where it takes us. A huge goal this year is to attend expo’s, awards, networking events and really immerse myself and my staff in the culture of the industry. In 5 years I would love to be supporting an umbrella of beauty professionals under the Earthside brand and offer courses and workshops for all things beauty and wellness.
If you had just 1 piece of advice for our Frenchies who are wanting to start their own business, what would it be?
Start from the beginning, plan well, but always let your actions speak the loudest and back yourself! Immerse yourself in the service of excellence, it will enhance your life in so many ways.
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