Kara’s apprentice training ‘plumps up’ beauty salon offering

“I’ve owned a business for nine years, and when we outgrew my home salon two years ago, we moved to a new premises — and we’ve been here ever since,” Kara began.

“We cater to all beauty services from waxing, tinting, massage, facials. I love being in this industry because there are many different facets to it.”

“I started very young (16) because I just loved the idea of looking after people and creating a beautiful space to ensure relaxation, self-care and maintenance,” shared Kara.

It’s not just performing beauty treatments Kara enjoys, she’s equally thrilled about business ownership.

“I think managing and owning a small business is fantastic. It is so rewarding in many ways. The client relationships we build — the industry is ever evolving. It's also amazing to introduce new products and treatments to our growing clientele — so I really love it,” Kara explained.

Kara shared her enthusiasm with beauty apprentice, Carly Russell, who is completing a Diploma of Beauty Therapy (SHB50121) with TAFE Queensland.

Carly undertakes her training at the Toowoomba campus, whilst also working at the salon full-time.

“My experience with Carly and taking on an apprentice has been wonderful. It was the best decision I could have made to grow my small business,” Kara said. 

“Always holding very high standards myself, it was a great option to have the Diploma of Beauty Therapy (SHB50121) apprenticeship available as I could teach Carly my way of performing the treatments she learnt in her Certificate III in Beauty Services (SHB30121).” 

“Working with TAFE Queensland to gain the next level of national accreditation for Carly has been a supportive and seamless process.”

“In between clients, or when she has a quiet moment, we make sure she's doing online learning and working on her assignments to maintain her knowledge behind her skill level at all times,” said Kara.

Carly attends intensive block training throughout the year to refine and assess her beauty skills. Working with the campus’ open-to-the-public salon clients and experiencing advanced techniques and new beauty technologies, Carly can subsequently share her skills with Elk Beauty clients alike.

“Carly touches base with her educators, completes online assignments, and at block training she gets assessed on the skills we practise in the salon,” explained Kara.

“At the Toowoomba campus’ beauty salon she also gets to access the amazing modalities, tools and the ultra high-end things there like the spa pod.”

“I would recommend going through TAFE Queensland because they are so accommodating and helpful. They contact us all the time to make sure she's on track.”

“Everything is well laid out in regard to materials for theory and what's expected. Timelines. They also check in regularly and are very supportive and informative. It's been great,” she said.

Kara is encouraging of other beauty business owners who are considering hiring a trainee or apprentice.

“If you’re looking at taking on an apprentice – I would say ‘definitely go for it’. It is great to have them trained your way with your products, your services, your treatment menu and your clientele.”

“It has helped grow my business and it's been the best choice I've ever made and would do it again in a heartbeat.”

“I've also loved interacting with the TAFE Queensland educators as they have been helping us both flourish through this journey.”

Looking to the future, Kara’s decision to take on a beauty apprentice has also benefited her workforce succession planning, with Kara proudly passing the torch of her beauty business, Elk Beauty, to Carly. With her specialised beauty skills and fresh perspective, Carly will re-brand the salon to Alema Studio and continue to provide quality services to the local community.