Graduate Story - Christie Cameron
One day Christie packed up her life and moved to the Gold Coast to study at The French, today, she’s the Gold Coast’s most sought after facialist.
Christie Cameron is the poster girl for the career switch dreamer! “If money didn’t matter, what’s something that you love to do that doesn’t feel like work.” Is the question that sent her on the pursuit of finding her true passion! One morning when Christie was doing her makeup and feeling inspired by her love of watching youtube and instagram beauty tutorials is when she had her eureka moment. “I found my passion! Beauty!”
It wasn’t until she started at The French that she learnt that beauty is not just about makeup and skincare – it goes much deeper than that. Christie describes her experience “I think my favourite part, outside of the technical aspects, was finding self belief and confidence. I was always so shy and lacked a lot of confidence and the French really sparked something inside of me that changed my life. It’s an experience I’ll never forget.” A year of focus and dedication not only led Christie into her dream career industry but also landed her the prestigious award of French Valedictorian. Christie is now a Senior Skin Specialist at SSKIN and was awarded Best Skin Facialist on the Gold Coast!
What motivated you to pursue a career in beauty therapy?
I was on a pursuit to discover my passion. I was actually working another career outside of the beauty industry that just wasn’t my passion at all. During that time I use to put so much pressure on my self to try and discover my passion. I remember listening to a talk and in it the speaker said “if money didn’t matter, whats something that you love to do that doesn’t feel like work.” At that time it was the start of YouTube and Instagram and I was right into following make up and beauty tutorials and as I was doing my make up one morning that was it! That was my eureka moment. I found my passion! Beauty! I felt so at peace and in a creative space when doing my make up, I had always been drawn to the beauty industry, and little did I know that it would go far deeper than just make up and nails. It opened up a world of science, magic, meaning, healing, and connection with people.
What was your main motivation for studying at the French?
I had been searching for the best place to study, this was my passion after all and I wanted to ensure I get the best education. When I arrived at the campus for orientation it was like a feeling of coming home, the French was my place and these were my people. The facility was fantastic, neat, clean, professional and far exceeded my expectations.
What was your favourite part about studying at the French? How would you describe your experience from the day you started at orientation?
I think my favourite part, outside of the technical aspects, was finding self belief and confidence. I was always so shy and lacked a lot of confidence and the French really sparked something inside of me that changed my life. It’s an experience I’ll never forget. It’s difficult to put the emotion into words, but that first day I was full of excitement and nerves, I arrived so early and waited in the parking lot until others started to arrive, I remember walking through the front door and seeing the valedictorian trophy at the front counter and it sparkled at me . It was like walking into a magical land of beauty. I remained 100% focused during my time at the French, I knew the time would go so quickly so I wanted to ensure I took everything in, this was my future so I wanted to put everything into it. I loved it so much that even outside of my study hours I would help out at the student salon, I just wanted to be helping others and learning every aspect of the industry. I would put my hand up for anything extra I could, volunteer and practice on friends at home. Graduating as valedictorian was completely unexpected but by far the most incredible feeling in the world. I will never forget that day. It’s the day that changed my thoughts, beliefs and views, from that day I knew I could do anything I put my mind to.
How did the French help prepare you for life as a professional beauty therapist?
The education was incredible, the teachers would take the time to help you understand all the technical aspects of the treatments so I felt confident to perform treatments out In the industry. By wearing uniform, the grooming and presentation really helped me to develop my personal brand so I could represent myself in the industry with a higher professional image. I found this helped present my self in the best way possible for my job interviews. The French also gave me the confidence to aim high and to never stop learning and growing.
Did you have a favourite teacher / subject at the french? Why?
I had so many amazing teachers, Shelly who instilled self belief within me and sparked my love for skin science, and Jai who helped me to develop my touch, presence and connection with clients through massage.
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU RECEIVED FROM YOUR STUDY AT THE FRENCH?
I think the best advice was to always believe in myself. Education and knowledge can be taught and get you far, but having courage and self belief will take you to unimaginable heights.
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?
One thing that really stuck with me, in facials class I was told I had a beautiful touch and to never loose that. I have never forgotten this and have evolved and developed it even further with years of experience. It truly is the most important part of my work.
HOW EASY WAS IT FOR YOU TO GAIN WORK AFTER GRADUATING? TELL ME ABOUT YOUR FIRST CAREER ‘BREAK’?
It was really easy for me, I found I had a job ready to go before graduation. I wanted to work at the most luxurious spa in my area and I was fortunate enough to work in a beautiful holistic spa environment- this was such a nurturing environment and gave me the confidence to develop my skills out in the industry.
OUR FLAGSHIP COURSE: THE FUTURE OF BEAUTY
NEXT GENERATION TRAINING FOR BEAUTY THERAPISTS & ENTREPRENEURS
HOW ARE THE FRENCH GRADUATES PERCEIVED OUT IN THE INDUSTRY?
You know that the standard of training is of the highest. Education, deportment, professionalism and presentation make French students easily employable.
WHAT DO YOU MOST ENJOY ABOUT YOUR NEW JOB? HAS THERE BEEN A MEMORABLE MOMENT SINCE YOU GRADUATED?
I think working at SSKIN has been one of the biggest opportunity for my career to date. It has catapulted me further than I could of imagined. In this space I have really been able to put my skills and confidence to the test by developing the treatments and the treatment menu for the clients. I have been able to grow as a skin specialist and gain all sorts of press opportunities, speaking engagements and really position myself to having a voice in the industry. Being recognised as the best beauty therapist on the Gold Coast has definitely been a highlight in the last 12 months.
DESCRIBE A DAY IN THE LIFE OF YOU ON A WORKING DAY?
A typical day for me would be arrive a little early have my morning coffee and debrief with the team, organise my room for the day, then I am usually in treatment all day creating beautiful experience for my clients. I will usually film content throughout the day as well, time permitting.
WHY IS IT SO EXCITING TO WORK IN THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY RIGHT NOW?
The industry is always changing and has greatly even in the years I have been practicing as a therapist. Up until recently it was really focused on advanced treatment and fast results, But right now especially since the impact of Covid-19 there has been a huge shift and focus towards holistic wellness and care. I love this as it’s really moving into a self acceptance and self love space.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO IS WANTING TO PURSUE A CAREER IN BEAUTY THERAPY?
If you are thinking about it, search within yourself to have the courage to take the first step and jump in. Taking the first step can be scary or seem overwhelming, but on the other side is an incredible, magical experience. The time goes so quickly and you will have so much fun you will wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. There is an entire world of possibilities awaiting for you if you have the courage to take the first step.
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE NEXT FEW YEARS? DO YOU HAVE AN ULTIMATE CAREER AMBITION?
I definitely would love to move more into developing my personal brand, and continuing to educate myself in different spaces so I can continue to grow in different areas of the beauty and wellness industry. I would like to move more into educating, key note speaking and developing a master class so I can teach all of my techniques. I would also like to pursue being a celebrity facialist and gain global status as a celebrity facialist.
MY SIGNATURE BEAUTY GO TOS…
Scent: Gucci Guilty
Lipstick: MAC Oak lip liner with MAC Myth lipstick
Book: becoming supernatural by dr Joe Dispenza
Blog: Gritty Pretty
Best Kept Secret: Your skin is just a messenger and it gives us clues as to what’s happening inside the body.
THE FRENCH EDIT…
City: Los Angeles
Beauty Muse: Hailey Bieber with her effortless fresh healthy skin look
Drink: my golden elixir (carrot,orange,ginger, turmeric, cayenne pepper)
Song: Peace of mind – Ak, Liam Thomas
Quote: “Have courage and be kind”
“Graduating as valedictorian was completely unexpected but by far the most incredible feeling in the world. I will never forget that day. From that day I knew I could do anything I put my mind to.”
- Christie Cameron
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