Alumni Spotlight: Kate Emily Brown

Meet Kate Emily Brown, an award-winning graduate of our Diploma of Beauty and now proud owner of her own business and laser tattoo removal clinic, Advanced Tattoo Removal.

The realisation of Kate’s dream to open her own clinic came to her during a course of her own laser treatments where she says she was “poorly educated and provided with unrealistic expectations” by her therapist. This encounter fuelled Kate’s passion for incredible client care and service. 

With a newborn baby boy, Kate pursued her dream and enroled in The French’s flexible Diploma of Beauty program.  After graduating with her academic excellence recognised on the coveted Principal’s List and winning Student of the Year in Body Treatments, Kate’s journey saw her utilise her newly acquired skills to earn a sought-after position at a laser clinic. From here she was able to train as a Skin and Laser Technician with Laser Clinics Australia.

If you too aspire to own your own clinic, have a read of our interview with Kate below and be sure to check our new  Graduate Certificate in IPL & Laser Hair Reduction Course to start your beauty career journey.

Beauty is…

I believe our perception of beauty changes dramatically as we get older. For me, right now, beauty is in the heart & mind. It’s not about being flawless, it’s about being confident, passionate, motivated, selfless and most of all, kind.

When did you realise your dream career and passion?

I never knew what I wanted to do growing up, but I always had this niggling feeling that I’d discover it eventually. It was during a course of laser treatments where I was poorly educated and provided with unrealistic expectations, that I decided that was what I wanted to do. However I wanted to do it in a way where my clients were thoroughly educated, supported, and provided with realistic expectations.

I chose The French because…

Along with being an amazing campus with THE BEST teaching faculty a girl could ask for, they also offered a flexible course that I was able to complete while also raising a brand new baby boy.

My dream job / career in beauty and wellness career is… 

To own and run a specialised laser tattoo removal clinic.

I start each day with … 

Positive Affirmations, prayers and a grateful heart. Also a sneaky cup of coffee hehe!

I am happiest when….

I am with my Family. My Husband Mark and Son Ziggy are what drive me to succeed every single day. Without them I wouldn’t be lucky enough to be where I am today.

My top tip for balancing life and study …

Prioritise, prioritise, prioritise! Make lists, organise as much quiet alone time as possible &  turn your phone off! Having a good support network around you also helps!

My favourite subject studied at The French…

Facials. I had never had a facial until I did this block and I discovered the ultimate in beauty relaxation. I also love performing facial massage so I enjoyed every moment of that subject!

The thing I love most about The French is…

I loved everything about The French, but the main thing that comes to mind are the teachers and staff. There was always a smiling face to greet you everyday and the support they provided me was amazing.

Where did studying at The French take you? …

In a short amount of time I was able to use my new skills to work briefly within a skin clinic. I then moved onto becoming a skin & laser technician with Laser Clinics Australia, and now of course I am lucky enough to own and run my very own laser tattoo removal business on the Gold Coast.

What has been the most exciting career achievement since graduating?

My first paying client at my clinic was a very surreal moment for me. I still make sure I take the time out from my busy days to look around and truly appreciate what I have created. It’s so important not to get too caught up in the day to day.

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

At the moment my focus lies 100% on building my business to the absolute best it can be. It is my mission to stay on top of technology and new methods in tattoo removal to ensure my clients receive the ultimate treatments and customer care.  Training and mentoring are things that really interest me also, so who knows, the world is my oyster!

If you could give any advice to students who are nearing completion of their studies, what would it be?

Believe in yourself.  I was so hard on myself, and was convinced with every practical & assignment submission that I wouldn’t pass. This never happened, and I went on to win Best in Body Treatments and make Principal’s List at Gradation. It absolutely blew my mind and instilled the confidence in me that I needed to push forward in opening my business.

It’s also super important to not let rejection shatter your confidence. If you get knocked down, get straight back up and hussle, hussle, hussle.

My beauty routine consists of …

Cleansing oil (to remove all my stubborn makeup), a good cleanser suited to my skin type, hyaluronic acid serum, retinol, moisturizer and the most important part… SPF!

My Signature Beauty Go to’s…

Scent: MOR Marshmallow

Lipstick: MAC Japanese Maple

Book: He’s just not that into you

Blog: Queens of Constance

The French Edit…

City: Tokyo

Beauty Muse: Chloe Morello

Drink: Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

Song: Happiness By the Kilowatt – Alexisonfire