From Hair to Beauty: How I Found My Passion in the Most Unexpected Way

 

At 16, like most teenagers leaving school, I had no idea what I truly wanted to do with my life. But one thing I did know? I loved all things girly—hair, beauty, makeup. It might sound a bit cliché, but that was me. So naturally, hairdressing seemed like the obvious path.

I started a little Saturday job in a salon, and while I didn’t fall in love with the hair side of things, I did gain something amazing—I met my best friend, who’s still in my life 20 years later. But deep down, I knew it wasn’t the right fit. I wasn’t excited about hair the way I thought I would be.

Here’s where the panic set in: I had already enrolled in college for hairdressing. Was it too late to change? I made a desperate plea to college—and by some miracle, they let me switch to beauty therapy. That single decision changed everything.

College Days & Discovering Myself

College was such a mixed bag. I met so many incredible people who became a big part of my life during that time. I also got my first proper job at Woolworths (yes, that Woolworths—nostalgia, anyone?). It was a fun time full of learning and growing up.

Studying beauty therapy opened my eyes to a whole new world. It wasn’t just about looking good—it was about making others feel good. My course included massage, facials, waxing, manicures, pedicures, and loads of extras like spray tanning, makeup, and ear piercing. I did every extra course going, thanks to the support of my amazing parents.

But college wasn’t without its struggles. I discovered I was dyslexic, which explained why my coursework kept getting returned. I found myself constantly double-checking and reworking assignments. Thankfully, I had a lovely older lady in my class who became like a second mum to me. Her support helped me get through the tough days.

Eventually, after endless case studies and practical assessments, I made it to the end of the year. Before I left, my teacher looked at me and said, “You’ll never use most of this. You’ll just end up doing nails.” I remember thinking, Really? After all that? But I smiled and moved on.

And Then Came the Twist…

A few months later, I returned to college to collect some of my coursework. That same teacher saw me and asked, “So, what are you doing now?”

With a smile, I replied, “I’m working for a big nail company.”

She just laughed and said, “Told you so!”

And that’s where it all began. That unexpected switch from hair to beauty led me straight to the world of nails—and I’ve never looked back.

Sometimes life doesn’t go how you planned—but often, that’s exactly how it’s meant to go.