We’re sure many of us have that ‘moment’, whether it’s a lightbulb moment or a feeling that’s been there for months or even years that we ‘should’ or ‘would’ like to be doing something else with our life and suddenly we just ‘decide’ to. Whether it’s because we chose a different path for whatever reason or circumstances at the time prevented us from following a dream, it’s never too late.
We hear time and time again from our students who go on to fulfil their ambitions and become a hairdresser, a makeup artist, a nail technician or a special effects artist that they wish they’d done it sooner. So much so, we always ask our students what inspired them to choose a hair or beauty course with the Norwich School of Hair & Beauty and here’s a few responses from our students who made that very decision.
Shannon – Level 2 Barbering
“It started because I am obsessed with perfect fades and I have always found it so therapeutic and satisfying going through barbering blogs/pages and seeing a perfect, slick gradient. One day, something just clicked and I realised that this is something I could do for a living and actually enjoy – two things that don’t always go hand in hand and a lot of people compromise their own happiness for very average money. I know this because I did! I can talk the back legs off a donkey and I have such a perfectionist attitude so I really cannot think of a more fitting career.
I have a bit of a crazy worth ethic and currently work three jobs. I have a great day job on paper however it just wasn’t fulfilling me and I would leave most days feeling a little empty and unsatisfied. I came to the realisation that money does not equate to happiness and barbering is the thing that can allow me to work as hard as I want, for as long as I want and I can be my own boss. The harder I work, the more that I can reap what I sow!”
Mark – Level 2 Barbering
As a youngster, I had always been creative, enjoying art, drawing and painting. At 16 I turned down a place at the Norwich School of Art and Design and instead headed down the “sensible” route going onto study Business and Economics. Unfortunately, like many, this eventually led to me spending numerous years working within jobs and industries that I never believed in or had no real interest….sure they paid the bills, but is that enough?
In 2018 I eventually decided it was time to make a change and unleash my creativity on the world, by signing up for a Level 2 certificate in barbering. I worked part-time in Insurance and as well as being a “stay at home” dad to my young family, so time was at a premium.
After a lot of research, I found a barbering course that fitted in with my busy life style. It was still a challenge fitting in the evening course, homework and practical cuts outside of course hours, but I never looked back. Although I know I have a long road ahead to actually break into the industry and make my mark, the future excites me.
Every time I pick up those scissors or clippers it feels right. Every haircut (or creation!) I finish gives me a sense of satisfaction like nothing I’ve ever experienced in other jobs.
Angie – Level 2 Hairdressing
I have had various jobs ranging from shop work, reception work and spent 23 years within Norfolk police. I did enjoy my job helping people, I felt it very rewarding and met some wonderful and not so wonderful people!
Unfortunately I was made redundant from the police after serving 23 years in March this year and this forced my hand to look for a new career.
Alongside the police for seven years, I have run a hair salon, where I have rented out chairs to self-employed ladies and carried out a Indian head massage and threading service myself.
When I was told I was being made redundant it made me think of something what I could do and enjoy in my future.
I wanted my work to be flexible and work around my lifestyle as I have a six-year-old daughter and a single parent.
I have always been creative and got an A in my GCSEs at school. When I have been in the salon with the stylists I have always watched them and thought I would love to be able to cut hair… and that was my lightbulb moment!
Terry – Level 3 Creative Hair Course
My 8-year-old daughter has definitely been my inspiration, when she was younger, she used to craze me to do her hair. Whenever she asked, I always used to say maybe another day and then after seeing her disappointed face thought I will have to bite the bullet and give it ago. After watching endless YouTube videos, I eventually got the hang of plaits. It was lovely to see my daughters face light up when she had seen what I had done, and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed doing the different styles. I got more and more adventurous and found myself really enjoying it and loved it when she asked me to do something different.
Then when my friend mentioned doing a hair course it really appealed to me and scared me at the same time, but I really felt this was meant to be and it motivated me to sign up, so I could challenge myself and push my comfort zone.
The question that then went through my head was whether or not this was the right time to take on a course when my life was already busy but sometimes you just have to make the commitment and fit in the study if it is something you really want to do if not you will always be holding back.
I went through many emotions once I had signed up and panicked when I first read the course content, I thought I will never be able to do some of the stuff that was in the contents, but once you are there doing it and giving it a go and the teachers are encouraging you it really surprises you what you can do. The teachers on the course have really inspired me and opened my mind to so much more than I could ever have imagined. It’s also the belief and trust the teacher has in each one of us. When I am there, I feel like I am part of something special.
Sue – Level 3 Creative Hair
Ok, so this is me….. I’m Sue, mum, step mum, step nanny (to 4 grandchildren), servant to partner of 16 years and 22 year employee of Ladbrokes Coral Group. That has been my life and I’ve just turned 40!….and why I started this ‘Creative Hair’ course, to save my life and look after my wellbeing.
Last December I finally acknowledged that I was suffering from a form of mental illness. It took me at least a year to realise this and accept that it was having a real impact on my life. I was one of those people who just didn’t believe in stress, anxiety or depression – that only happened to others, right? If there was nothing physically wrong, then surely there’s no reason why you just can’t carry on, I would tell myself.
So, I needed to find something for myself…..I’m still Sue (not mum, servant or employee), so what do I love doing and makes me feel good?
I’ve always loved putting hair up and being creative. When speaking to a friend she suggested I do an evening course to learn more. That’s when I found the Creative hair course, and I absolutely love it. It’s therapeutic for me, I love seeing the finished look and I’ve been lucky to receive opportunities.
As with all retailers, betting shops are finding it hard on the hard street, betting online is as popular as shopping online, we’re moving into a new age. Having this qualification to hand gives me more options. I’ve never been a planner in what or where I’ll be in 5 years, I work hard and find myself successful. I want to be happy and have a good home/work life balance, if I keep that and still say I have this in 5 years, then that’s great!
Contact the Norwich School of Hair & Beauty today on 01603 621600 and discover where your future can take you.
Did you find this article useful? Why not take a look at our hairdressing courses available to train to become a hairdresser or browse all our courses from The Norwich School of Hair & Beauty.
