Graduate Story - Brandi Beckett
Our December 2021 Valedictorian gets real about juggling kids, study, stress and changing careers to pursue her dream career in beauty “later in life.”
Brandi Becket is a true testament to all who have ever doubted studying at a later age. Brandi describes her journey into beauty as ‘taking the scenic route’ but as we all know, the journey is just as important as the destination. Brandi has had a love for aesthetics and beauty from a young age, but it was her motivation and true calling to help others on their journey to self acceptance that led her to The French – But what Brandi did not expect was the journey of self acceptance and growth that SHE was about to go on…
“My gratitude for the personal journey that I went on during my time at The French is endless. I learnt much about who I am as a person and was supported to work through this, conquer fears and insecurities, whilst being completely supported by all members of The French Team. They notice you, they check in, they are available, always! I have grown through a time where it was not always encouraged in society to lift those around you without jealousy or judgement and was potentially a little brainwashed (yet hopeful) to the possibility of it ever being any different. My time at TFBA allowed me to embrace that not only is this possible; but to see it in action and be encouraged to pay forward daily in such a selfless manner was truly a gift.”
After graduating in 2021 and taking the prestigious title of Valedictorian, Brandi opened her own business – Brandi’s Skin & Beauty. This is where Brandi now offers holistic beauty services. “I will continue to work and learn and forever be grateful that I finally followed my dreams to enter the beauty industry,” said Brandi about her future in beauty.
What motivated you to pursue a career in beauty therapy?
Having had an interest in aesthetics since I was a little girl, I had always dreamt of working in the beauty industry. I took the scenic route to get there! But finally in 2021, life aligned for me to finally jump in and do it. My motivation has always been to help people on their journey to self acceptance and to see themselves through kinder eyes. I have enormous respect for the privilege of the time that my clients share with me, their vulnerability as we work together on their concerns and the trust that they place in me to give the best of me in their treatments.
What was your main motivation for studying at the French?
I believe in holistic beauty and so it was only fitting that I embarked on study at an institution that was holistic in their approach to education. The French approach is unlike any other; the understanding that a therapist must first know and accept themself to be available to understand and serve another is what separates them from other academies and prepares their graduates for successful lives and careers beyond their study.
What was your favourite part about studying at the French? How would you describe your experience from the day you started at orientation?
My gratitude for the personal journey that I went on during my time at The French is endless. I learnt much about who I am as a person and was supported to work through this, conquer fears and insecurities, whilst being completely supported by all members of The French Team; Educators, Peers, Support Staff, Carleigh, Steph, Michelle and Ash. They notice you, they check in, they are available always. I have grown through a time where it was not always encouraged in society to lift those around you without jealousy or judgement and was potentially a little brainwashed (yet hopeful) to the possibility of it ever being any different. My time at TFBA allowed me to embrace that not only is this possible; but to see it in action and be encouraged to pay forward daily in such a selfless manner was truly a gift.
How did the French help prepare you for life as a professional beauty therapist?
I believe that the Service Excellence component of study was equal to my skill and knowledge training as a Therapist. One without the other is not enough. Self acceptance and gentleness with myself, has helped me in being open to what my client is not saying and allowing them to feel noticed and safe with me.
With my skill and knowledge to go forth as a Therapist; I think students at TFBA are gifted with the best Educators, facilities, products and equipment. We were given every opportunity for success to be attainable and I embraced every opportunity to learn from all of those around me. My connections with both my peers and educators has continued to grow and each is just as approachable and supportive today as when I was attending as a student. We were encouraged to continue our learning – study in this field is never ending and I cannot get enough! I learnt to love learning (I guess I was never chasing my dream before though) and I am aware that our educators helped many of us to break down barriers we may have had in the past – catering to all learners in our cohorts.
Did you have a favourite teacher / subject at the french? Why?
Cheeky question! I couldn’t choose a favourite teacher – I have a favourite memory of each of them and am grateful for every one of them that I was able to learn from. I think they each impart knowledge from a different perspective and so no one teacher could prepare you for the beauty world (just another amazing element of learning at The French). Subject – Absolutely hands down…Loved all things skin; Facials, Specialised Facials, Microdermabrasion (Thank you Trudie and Amy – both sent from heaven) I thoroughly enjoyed these subjects and have continued this as the focus of my new Beauty Space. I am acutely aware though, that Amy and Trudie both played a huge role in my confidence as I progressed through these subjects; constant support and encouragement and never once did they dismiss my endless requests for them to help me visualise what they were saying!
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU RECEIVED FROM YOUR STUDY AT THE FRENCH?
Never stop learning and just be kind. One of my beautiful educators once said “ It is nice, to be nice” and I just loved that. (This was just her too – genuinely nurturing and nice)
WHAT WERE SOME OF THE INVALUABLE LESSONS OR MOST IMPORTANT THING THAT YOU LEARNT AT THE FRENCH THAT YOU HAVE BEEN ABLE TO APPLY TO YOUR NEW CAREER?
Trust – I think to trust my instincts to go gently and to trust that my clients have come to me for help and answers and that I am capable through my learning and qualifications to help them gain greater understanding about their skin health. Commitment – to be continually learning and to my own health and wellbeing. I can only pour from a full cup. If I am spent, I am unable to serve.
HOW EASY WAS IT FOR YOU TO GAIN WORK AFTER GRADUATING? TELL ME ABOUT YOUR FIRST CAREER ‘BREAK’?
Having worked throughout my time at college, I had already a clear vision of what I wanted in my career as a Therapist and decided that I wanted to jump straight into my own business. Four months in and this has been a crazy journey already – learning very quickly and sleeping very little! Ultimately though, I am working to a model that I am aligned with, offering a holistic skin service to my clients and love going to work.
The Business Of Beauty & Makeup
HOW ARE THE FRENCH GRADUATES PERCEIVED OUT IN THE INDUSTRY?
The nurturing environment at The French allows graduates to enter the industry prepared and with a genuine understanding of what is required to be successful as a Therapist.
WHAT DO YOU MOST ENJOY ABOUT YOUR NEW JOB? HAS THERE BEEN A MEMORABLE MOMENT SINCE YOU GRADUATED?
I love my clients – I enjoy the connection, conversation and ultimately when I have my clients leaving carrying a little less on their shoulders after their appointments – I feel that I have done my job. I believe everybody should move away from an interaction with you, better for it and that is how I approach every appointment. My most memorable experience would have to be working on my first client in my own salon – what a privilege!
DESCRIBE A DAY IN THE LIFE OF YOU ON A WORKING DAY?
My day commences with salon setup and preparation for the clients I have that day and throughout the day, I allow time between clients to turn my rooms and take a few moments to reset. Any down time is spent navigating the administrative and marketing tasks and cleaning.
WHY IS IT SO EXCITING TO WORK IN THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY RIGHT NOW?
I feel like there is so much more to learn, the technology and advancement in treatments and products is moving quickly and constantly and our clients are becoming more aware, with higher expectations.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO IS WANTING TO PURSUE A CAREER IN BEAUTY THERAPY?
If you are looking to become a Beauty Therapist – there is no other Beauty college that will prepare you for the industry. Work hard, pay attention, ask questions, attend everyday, immerse yourself in the environment and embrace all aspects of the course – even the parts that scare you.
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE NEXT FEW YEARS? DO YOU HAVE AN ULTIMATE CAREER AMBITION?
Brandi’s Skin and Beauty is evolving quickly and there are changes already underway. I will continue to work and learn and forever be grateful that I finally followed my dreams to enter the beauty industry.
MY SIGNATURE GO TOS…
Scent: Viktor Rolf Flowerbomb
Lipstick: Tom Ford Lip Lacquer Matte Overpower
Book: Untamed Glennon Doyle (This book was the catalyst for my decision to finally chase my dreams and study beauty)
Blog: anything health or skin related
Best Kept Secret: Age truly is a gift – Self Acceptance is the ultimate beauty hack!
THE FRENCH EDIT…
City: Brisbane – What an amazing and beautiful city we live in
Beauty Muse: Nobody in particular – I think there is beauty in everybody and that it is the story behind the features that makes someone beautiful
Drink: depending on my mood and the time of day! I enjoy a G&T (I like the Four Pillars Negroni Gin currently) but my herbal tea is definitely my bedtime ritual and one of my favourite parts of the day. (Indian Spice is my tea of choice right now)
Song: Getting Good – Lauren Alaina
Quote: “We can do hard things” Glennon Doyle.
“I love my clients – I enjoy the connection, conversation and ultimately when I have my clients leaving carrying a little less on their shoulders after their appointments – I feel that I have done my job.”
- Brandi Beckett
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