From New Starter to Confident Professional: Odette’s Journey in Beauty Therapy
For Odette, a dedicated learner at Heart of England Training’s Rugby Academy, the journey through the world of beauty therapy has been nothing short of transformative. From starting off completing her Level 1 course to confidently delivering massages and facials as part of her Level 3 qualification, Odette’s story is a glowing testament to how personalised, hands-on training at one of our academies can shape futures.
“I used to be nervous about working on clients — now I’m booked back-to-back.”
A Practical Start That Sparked a Passion
Odette’s beauty journey began with the Level 1 Beauty Therapy course, focusing on the basics of manicure and pedicure. “It was really practical — just what I needed,” she shared. At Heart of England Training we run a commercial salon for our learners to develop their skills. We noticed that theory based learning may not always be suitable for our learners and find that the talent and growth our learners achieve enables them to develop their skills more effectively as well as building key communication skills with clients, prepping them for a future in the industry.
After completing her Level 1 qualification this sparked Odette’s interest in completing the Level 2 Beauty Therapy course, where she expanded her skills into facials, tinting etc. By the time she reached Level 3, she was confidently delivering massages and advanced facial treatments. “I used to love doing nails, but now massage is my favourite. It’s hard work, but I actually find it relaxing too.”
Choosing the Right Environment
For Odette, the decision to train with Heart of England Training was influenced by a friend who had also joined the Academy — but the learning environment quickly proved to be the right choice on its own merits.
“I’m much better at practical learning, and at other colleges it’s more theory-based. Here, I was able to learn in a way that actually suited me,” she explained. Small group sizes and a supportive, friendly atmosphere made all the difference in building both skills and confidence. “You get to practise on real clients, which really boosts your confidence. You don’t realise how important things like communication are until you’re doing it.”
Skills That Go Beyond the Treatment Room
Over time, Odette didn’t just master treatments — she also learned how to handle real-world interactions, from keeping clients relaxed during massages to chatting during manicures. “You learn how to adapt to each person” one of her trainers explained. “Odette’s become someone we can always count on to say yes when we need help — clients love her.”
On top of her studies, Odette also held a part-time job, showing initiative and time management. “That’s a massive plus when it comes to your CV,” said her trainer. “It shows she’s not only skilled but reliable, punctual, and driven.”
Planning for the Future
Now at the end of her course, Odette is keen to take her next step in the beauty industry, ideally moving into a full-time salon role. With support from her tutors and family, she’s also considering short specialist courses to further enhance her portfolio — a sign of her motivation to keep growing.
Though her part-time job didn’t work out, her positive attitude remains intact. “It’s about finding the right place. I definitely want to keep going in beauty — it’s what I enjoy.”
Empowering Learners Every Step of the Way
The support Odette received from staff and tutors at Heart of England Training was a key part of her journey. “The support has been really good, especially with the theory side and in the salon. They’ve always helped me feel prepared.”
From struggling with confidence to taking on back-to-back client bookings, Odette is now ready to step into the industry with the skills and self-belief needed to succeed. Her story is a clear reminder of the power of hands-on learning, personalised support, and a nurturing environment.
At Heart of England Training, our learners aren’t just taught a trade — they’re prepared for life beyond the classroom.
