Congratulations to Cece Chick, the winner of Salon Gold’s nail art competition! Cece’s entry captured our brand identity perfectly. We caught up with her to take a look at the story behind her gorgeous creations. She currently has an admin job but she’s level 2 and 3 qualified in beauty therapy and follows her life’s passion as soon as she’s through with her 9 to 5. She has a full salon in her garden where she welcomes her clients and she squeezes in some mobile work too. Cece also makes sure she keeps her knowledge up to date with CPD courses, ready for the time when she can make beauty her full time career. To tell us more, she has answered some questions about her experience and motivation…
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I always wanted to be hairdresser, I was forever playing with my hair and trying new hairstyles out.
Please can you tell us about your journey and how you first got interested in beauty therapy?
It’s something I have always had a passion for as I’ve always done treatments on my mum and nan but never thought it would be something I would end up wanting to do as a career.
What was your very first job?
I worked as a Christmas temp for GAME.
What is a typical day like?
I go to my office job for 8 hours then I come home and spend time working on my salon, getting images for social media, practicing treatments and gaining as much confidence as I can.
What’s the best thing about your job?
Being able to change my nails whenever I want and how often I want.
What is the most challenging thing about your job?
Getting started, as a newbie I’m scared of failing but I know I just need to start and I’ll be fine.
What has been the most inspirational moment you’ve experienced as a beauty therapist?
Being able to make people feel good about themselves, even if its something as simple as a brow shape, just seeing the smile makes my heart swell with happiness.
What qualities do you feel are important to develop and work on as a beauty therapist?
Everything, you need to always be learning and working to better yourself and your skills as you want to make sure you give every single client the best experience from the moment they walk in to the moment they walk out.
What advice do you have for people who want to do what you do?
Just have the confidence to go for it and NEVER stop bettering yourself.
What things do you wish you’d known before starting your career?
Why didn’t I start sooner?! I spent so long debating on what I wanted to do with my life before I finally decided to be a beauty therapist and I just wish I had started sooner.
Where would you like to be in five years?
Fully self employed and still loving my job!
What do you like to do for fun?
Watching nail techs on YouTube
If you were stranded on a desert island, what 3 things would you want to have with you?
Press on nails, cuticle oil and moisturiser.
What’s your favourite quotation or mantra?
Do what you love, love what you do
A big thank you once again to Courtney, for taking the time to create her cool competition entry and share her story with us. You can see more of her amazing work here.
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