Graduate Story - Sheniah Nozuhur
Our 2019 Valedictorian is a Registered Nurse, Dermal Technician and Beauty Owner of skin clinic SKN Gold Coast
Sheniah’s passion for all things beauty began at a young age, propelling her to great heights in the industry. Her story exemplifies what determination and a strong work ethic can accomplish. Sheniah has had a strong belief her entire life that education is powerful and necessary for success. This motivated her to pursue a Bachelor of Nursing after graduating high school. During her last year of her studies, Sheniah decided to explore her love for makeup and enrolled at The French to study a Dual Diploma of Beauty Therapy. Despite her busy schedule juggling her education and working as a freelance makeup artist, Sheniah achieved great success during her time at The French. Upon graduating, she was awarded the prestigous award of Valedictorian as well as the Makeup Artist of 2019. Fast forward to today, Sheniah is working at Brisbanes premier cosmetic clinic doing what she loves; Cosmetic Injectables and Skin & Body Treatments.
What sparked your interest in pursuing a career in beauty therapy? Was there a specific moment or experience that inspired you?
The first memory I have of being introduced to beauty, was when I was introduced to liquid eyeliner during high school. I loved how it enhanced my eyes and I became obsessed. I would practice applying eyeliner on myself for hours and it would be the only piece of makeup I would wear. At that time, YouTube makeup tutorials were on the rise and I was obsessed with watching them and practicing the looks on myself. It was then I found my passion for makeup.
Soon after graduating school, I decided to pursue my own freelance makeup artistry business, where I was performing makeup applications for special events, photo shoots and even doing 1:1 lessons with people to teach them how to perform a full face of makeup with my techniques. My love for beauty stemmed from my love and passion for makeup.
What was your main motivation to choose to study at The French Beauty Academy? What was it that drew you to study here?
I pursued a Bachelor of Nursing Degree after I finished school. During what was supposed to be my last year of my degree, I decided to go part time & extend my university study to pursue a diploma of beauty on the side. I had taught myself how to do makeup through YouTube, but I really wanted to learn more and get a certification behind what I was doing. I did a lot of research into all the beauty education providers in my area. I found that I really resonated with the values of The French Beauty Academy. Not only is their education curriculum considered highly in the industry, but they care and nurture the self development of their students.
Do you remember your Orientation week? Can you share your experience or how you felt on those first few days/weeks.
I remember feeling both excited & nervous during Orientation week. I think my nervous feelings came from not knowing if I’m going to get along with anyone. That feeling was instantly eased on our first class day when I knew everyone was feeling the same way. After a few ice breakers, our whole class got along so well, and we created such a special bond with each other. I remember feeling like I really belonged at The French after a few days as I really enjoyed every subject we were learning, and I was building amazing relationships with my peers & the teachers.
Reflecting on your time at The French, can you share a standout moment or memory?
The French beautifully developed a Dual Diploma that integrated not only high quality theoretical and hands-on education, but they also focused on developing their student’s self development. I loved integrating service to the community into my studies at The French. From providing head massages for health care workers in the hospital, to raising money for local charities, I learnt a lot about giving back to the community and how it feeds the betterment and growth of your soul.
I absolutely loved my whole experience of my time studying at The French. From the moment I had my first walk through of the facility, I felt welcomed and at home. Everyone including the students and educators got along so well. As a student, I felt supported throughout the whole course not only by my friends, but also by my educators and staff at The French.
What do you miss most about The French?
I miss the environment – from the aesthetic space, to the friendly educators, and always being around my friends. It was such a fun time and I always looked forward to coming to classes.
Did you have a favorite subject or Educator at The French? Why/What did you love most about it?
All the staff at The French are the beating heart of the academy. They are all knowledgeable, talented, passionate and friendly individuals. They are all very caring and nurturing and will be by your side to help you at any given moment. This is something I cherished and appreciated as a student. I didn’t only see them as highly knowledgeable and talented individuals, but also as my friends. We were all pretty much a family by the end of the course.
My favourite subject at The French was specialised facials. I loved learning about the science behind the skin, product formulations and how to prescribe a skincare routine. I also loved the slow paced facial services where you provide a relaxing and therapeutic experience for clients, which not only make your clients feel good, but you feel rewarded too for being able to provide that experience.
In what ways did The French help you develop personally and professionally?
The French prepares you for a life as a professional beauty therapist as you are given the highest quality theoretical and hands on training. I believe that the amount of hands-on practice that you get with every service that you learn was amazing and really made me confident with what I was doing out in the industry. The French also provides an opportunity to have a feel of how it is like to work in a beauty salon environment in the ‘Student Salon’ where you as a student are placed in a salon environment, performing services for paying clients where they give you feedback to promote your growth and experience as a beauty therapist. The curriculum offered at The French also allows for self love, self, discovery and self growth. Through this program, I believe that it moulds you as an individual and professional to embody virtues such as kindness, care, love, charity and respect which are highly regarded in the industry.
Was there an invaluable lesson or any advice you received from The French that has stuck with you and continues to inspire you?
One particular lesson that I learnt is to always have the concept of service as a foundation of my life. No matter whether it be providing a therapeutic facial for someone, or serving my community. Nothing feeds the betterment of your soul more than good deeds.
How easy was it for you to gain work after graduating? Tell me about your first career ‘break’ in beauty?
I was still pursuing my degree in Nursing by the time I finished at The French. I graduated university a couple months after graduating The French, and went straight into working at a GP clinic and studying cosmetic injectables. A few months after studying cosmetic injectables, I applied for several jobs and I was able to get my first job in the industry through a laser clinic. I worked there for a year, and they provided me with a wealth of education, experience and support which made me confident in my career and grew my passion.
How are French graduates perceived in the industry? Did your employer know who The French Beauty Academy was?
The French graduates are regarded really highly in the industry. The French have a very tailored course to make sure you are highly equipped and up to date with the latest and greatest in the industry. My previous employers all knew about The French.
With innovations and trends constantly evolving, what aspect of working in the beauty industry excites you the most right now?
The beauty industry is constantly growing and improving. Being in the non-surgical cosmetic field, there are continuous advancements in products, equipment, technologies and studies that make it so exciting to learn new things. You can only wonder what advancements there are to come in the future!
For prospective students considering studying at The French Beauty Academy, what aspect of the program do you think sets a solid foundation for success in the industry?
I believe both the highly experienced educators who give you so much valuable knowledge, and the hours of hands-on practice sets a solid foundation and ensures you will be able to work confidently in the industry.
Looking ahead, what personal or professional goals are you aiming to achieve in the next few years? Is there a dream role or achievement you're working towards?
I am going to grow my business slowly and create my dream clinic.
Can you please tell us a bit about your business?
My business is called SKN Gold Coast – the SKN is the initials of my name – Sheniah Khademi Nozuhur, and a play on ”SKIN”. My business’ focus is to nurture skin with quality & expertise. We offer skin treatments and cosmetic injectables.
Why did you decide to start your own business? Can you tell us a bit about your journey?
I actually had my own business from when I started doing makeup artistry straight out of high school. I had transitioned from makeup, to lash & brow services, to massage and facials, and now skin treatments and cosmetic injectables. I have been so grateful as I have had clients who have followed me & business throughout the journey of different services.
“No matter whether it be providing a therapeutic facial for someone, or serving my community - Nothing feeds the soul more than good deeds.”
- Sheniah Nozuhur
What did you learn during your time at The French that helped prepare you when starting your business or during the course of your business journey?
The French offers a dual diploma beauty & business course which allows you to pretty much set up your business! I remember doing a mock up business pitches with a group and we set up a whole business plan. This really helped with being able to build the foundation of my business.
What are your plans for the future of your business, do you have an ultimate business goal?
My goal in my career is to always keep learning and improving my knowledge and skills. I also really want to build my business into a professional, luxurious and friendly space where people can come into a safe environment and work on their skin health and anti-ageing.
If you had just 1 piece of advice for our Frenchies who are wanting to start their own business, what would it be?
One piece of advice I would give someone wanting to start their own business, is to try and get as much experience as you can before starting your own business. Whether that be getting a job through another salon/clinic for a while, or shadowing a provider to absorb as much knowledge as you can. This is so in your business you know what standard you want to provide your clients, and hopefully get experience in what you will need to set up your business. Don’t rush. Take every opportunity to learn, and always keep learning and improving your skills.
My Signature Beauty Go tos...
SCENT: Tommy Girl
LIPSTICK: My go-to lip combo is the Colourpop Lippie Pencil in ‘BFF2’ + Dior Clear Lip Oil
BOOK: How to win friends & influence people
BLOG: poosh.com
BEST KEPT SECRET: I use a tinted SPF as my ‘foundation’ instead of actual makeup foundation. Makes my routine faster and my skin looks more natural compared to foundation.
THE FRENCH EDIT…
CITY: Gold Coast, Australia (home is where my heart belongs)
BEAUTY MUSE: Honestly, there is no one person who influences me as a beauty muse. Any strong, independent, beautiful, confident women who I see are not afraid to be themselves, influences me to do the same. Every person is beautiful in their own way.
DRINK: Tea
SONG: Anything Alina Baraz
QUOTE: “Where there is love, nothing is too much trouble, and there is always time”
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